Sam Noto obit

Sam Noto Has Died

 He was not on the list.

Of Buffalo, NY, entered into rest on October 16, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Arleen Christian-Noto; devoted father of Michael John (late Charlene Smith-Noto) Noto, Christopher James (Misao Mori) Noto, Andrew Jeremy Noto, Jennifer Jean (Richard) Greene; cherished grandfather of Brian Whitehead, Christopher (Alley Kat) Hughes, Andrew Noto Jr, Camryn Noto, Gianna Greene, Brady Greene, and Christian Greene; adored great-grandfather of Michael, Elle, Lorelai, River, and Dean; dear son of the late Louis and Santina (nee Territo) Noto; caring brother of the late Bill (Virginia) Noto, Joseph (Marge) Noto, Roseanne (Sam) Cicero, and Charles (Ann) Noto; also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Private Services. Sam was a world-renowned Jazz Musician who specialized in playing the trumpet and played for countless years including the bands Stan Kenton Orchestra/Count Basie and Woody Herman and countless others. Also had solo albums that were released in the 70's, 80's, and 90's. He was a proud veteran of The United States Army.

Sam Noto was an acclaimed jazz trumpeter and bop soloist. Noto has worked throughout North America with some of the biggest names, and best bands in jazz, including Stan Kenton, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, Red Rodney, Don Menza, Joe Romano, Louie Bellson, Frank Rossolino, and Mel Lewis to name a few.

Noto was invited to join Stan Kenton’s Orchestra as lead trumpeter while still in his early 20’s,  and played with Kenton full-time until 1958, and again in 1960 after a year-long stint touring Europe with Louie Bellson and Pearl Baily in 1959. He was also a member of the count Basie Orchrstra for two separate period between 1964 and 1967.

Sam worked primarily in Las Vegas after 1969, until relocating to Toronto in 1975. It was while living and working in Vegas, he became acquainted with trumpeter, Red Rodney who was influential in Noto’s prolific recording career with Xanadu.

While living in Toronto, Noto quickly became a first-call studio player, and member of Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass for a number of years in the ’80s. Sam also established his own bandstands and concert stages throughout Toronto in the ’90s and early 2000s. Noto now lives in Fort Erie, Ontario, and continues to play in and around the Toronto ares, as well as closer to home in Buffalo, N.Y. jazz clubs.