Donati's Music Store - New Castle PA

Joseph D. Donati (1903-1970) was born in Italy and immigrated to the United States in 1912. He was a skilled musician and studied music in New York City from 1915-1919. He subsequently relocated to New Castle, Pennsylvania, and worked in a music store and later as a furniture salesman. For a time during the 1920’s, he also played music in “the pit” for the silent films at the Penn Theater. He played solo trumpet with several Italian American musical groups including with the popular New Castle Red Coat Band. He married the former Marie Melillo in 1926 and together they had two children named Vincent and Loretta.

Joe Donati established a small music shop in 1928 at his residence on Friendship Street before moving into a commercial block at #835 South Mill Street. Donati’s Music Store, despite the tough times of the Great Depression, was a steady success. He sold and repaired musical instruments and provided lessons on the guitar, trumpet, piano, and accordion. In December 1935 the business was relocated to the bottom floor of the former Hotel Sherman at #22 South Mill Street. A decade later, in 1944, Donati purchased the entire building and soon greatly renovated it. He leased out portions of the spacious building to other businesses as well.

In November 1947, after establishing a modern studio for music lessons and band practices on the second floor, he celebrated the grand opening of the Donati Music Company & School of Music. He catered to casual music lovers as well and carried a large collection of popular records in various genres. He also expanded his scope of operations and began selling home appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, and vacuums. Joe Donati’s two children, both skilled musicians, also worked for him and helped provide music lessons.

Donati’s Music continue to grow in the coming years and was a popular establishment in the thriving downtown district of New Castle. Joe Donati was semi-retired by the late 1960’s but sadly passed away in New Castle in June 1970. Donati, at age 66, was laid to rest near the family’s second home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His son Vincent Donati continued to operate the business, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1978, until it was closed in late 1984. The building was eventually sold to the city and demolished in December 1991. The location is currently a parking lot, but the site is fondly remembered by some as the longtime home of New Castle’s most popular music shop.

Italian immigrant Joe Donati, a skilled musician, established a music shop in New Castle in 1928. He sold and rented musical instruments and provided lessons – mostly to the numerous school children in the area. (1947)

Joe Donati relocated his music store to the former Hotel Sherman at #22 South Mill Street in late 1935. He later purchased the entire building and had it greatly renovated. (1949)

Joe Donati’s two children were students of his but also helped run the business. (1947)

After Donati’s was expanded and renovated in 1947 the second floor had a large studio for lessons and band practice. (1947)

Donati’s Music celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1978.