In 2008 the piano business lost one of its finest. Joseph K. Dorio, 58, died on October 18, 2008 while on vacation in Florida.  Joe was the owner and operator of Nolde’s Piano and Organ in Flemington, NJ. He purchased the business Derf Nolde in 1985. Before becoming owner, at age 20, Joe was an employee, working there for 13 years. Joe was also a musician in several local bands, including Fragile and The Shotguns and an avid fly fisherman.

Joe and his partner Jim Lane made buying a piano a real pleasure.  Low pressure sales and excellent customer service were their hallmarks.  Joe was very giving and helped me grow my customer base when I was new to the piano service trade.  Joe also paved the way for my Yamaha Piano factory training, for which I am eternally grateful.

Joe Dorio with Elton John’s Red Piano by Yamaha.    Photo by Ben Scheetz