Born on April 4, 1964 in Silver Spring, Maryland
Departed on February 19, 2021, in Melbourne, Florida
John Notaro, Jr
When John Notaro, Jr., was born, April 4, 1964, in Silver Spring, Maryland, his life seemed to be on a golden path. The youngest of nine children, he was surrounded by brothers and sisters in a loving home, along with his parents, John, Sr. and Charlotte.
Little Johnny quickly excelled at school and was one of those popular students who seemed to do well at everything he tried, without obvious effort. He loved to play football, baseball, basketball, the guitar and was a virtual encyclopedia of sports trivia. One of his youth coaches from the Beltway League (best players from the MD/VA/DC area) said Johnny was the best player he’d ever coached. Friendly, athletic and intelligent, it was easy to like Johnny Notaro and it seemed everyone did.
After high school, Johnny decided to join the military. His placement tests had him destined to work in Army Intelligence, but that was when his life changed. Schizophrenia had entered Johnny’s world and the golden path of his life was profoundly altered.
Despite the many challenges he faced as a result of his illness, Johnny remained true to his friendly good nature. It was not at all unusual to hear cheerful calls of, “Hey, Johnny!” and, “Good to see you!” as he strolled the grounds at Circles of Care, his home for many years.
Johnny’s time with us came to a peaceful close on February 19, 2021 and he was welcomed Home by his parents, who predeceased him. Johnny is survived by his siblings, Elizabeth (Lee) Whelpley, James (Dasanita) Stone, III, Paul (Carole) Stone, Patty (Jamey) Powell, John (Kathy) Stone, Brian (Kathy) Stone, Linda (Nick) Hopkins and Tony Notaro.
The family will hold a private celebration of Johnny’s life and respectfully ask, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in Johnny’s name, to Circles of Care CSP Residential at 2000 Commerce Drive, in Melbourne, Florida, 32904.
16 entries.
Robin Bursey
from Palm Bay wrote on July 22, 2021:
I just found out. So so sorry. I knew John for a lot of years. At least he has some peace now. Praying for you all.
John C Staines
from Potomac wrote on June 11, 2021:
I learned of this belatedly but am compelled to express my profound sorrow to hear John's passing. I didn't know John well but my brother Patrick Staines played high school football with him and was always talking about him and very inspired by him. It so often seems trite to say, but I sincerely do pray and believe that our sweet lord Jesus will remember him and embrace him as he passes into paradise. Linda, I can only imagine your grief and can only try to console you in my small way expressing to you that John's life mattered, was recognized, and was appreciated even by those, like me, whom he barely knew.
JEAN BREEN
from SILVER SPRING wrote on March 17, 2021:
Johnny Notaro was such a kind man. He was always smiling and happy to see me whenever I visited! I miss Johnny! May he be completely healed in Heaven with his parents and God who loves him more than us who are here on earth til we meet again! I LOVE the Notaro and Stone families since Belt Jr High school days 50+ years ago in good 'ol Wheaton, Maryland 20902 ❤❤ Love, Kisses, Hugs and Prayers for all of you, Jean Veronica Breen. The Favorite Daughter, lol!! 😉😉
JEAN BREEN
from SILVER SPRING wrote on March 17, 2021:
Johnny Notaro was such a kind man. He was always smiling and happy to see me whenever I visited! I miss Johnny! May he be completely healed in Heaven with his parents and God who loves him more than us who are here on earth til we meet again! I LOVE the Notaro and Stone families since Belt Jr High school days 50+ years ago in good 'ol Wheaton, Maryland 20902 ❤❤ Love, Kisses, Hugs and Prayers for all of you, Jean Veronica Breen. The Favorite Daughter, lol!! 😉😉
Mark Aguirre
from Washington wrote on March 6, 2021:
Since I’m older than Johnny was my memories of him were when he was young. Before his voice changed he had this high pitched, machine gun laugh that was contagious. He was good natured, so it was always in good fun. My best to you Linda, Tony, and the rest of your family in your time of sorrow.
Terry Butler
from Laurel wrote on March 4, 2021:
So sorry - John was a kind soul - I'd been searching for him for years on facebook to see if we could re-connect - fond memories of playing music and sports with him.
Laura smith
from Nanticoke wrote on March 2, 2021:
So sorry for your loss. May hid bless the family.
Deborah Jenkins(Huffman)
from Hebron wrote on March 2, 2021:
Johnny lived next door to me and my family for many years . He was as cute as he was friendly! It was heart breaking to watch Johnny’s decline
I hope he is at peace now . We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved brother .
Love , The Huffman Family
Laura Tinsman
from Zephyrhills wrote on March 2, 2021:
John was such a nice guy very kind to everyone he will be missed. May all of you that knew him say a little prayer for his family God bless Laura Mahon
Gary Plummer
from Montgomery Village wrote on March 2, 2021:
John was a good friend and fellow football player with me at Wheaton High. I will miss him, so sorry for your loss.
Mark Huffman
from Rockville wrote on March 2, 2021:
I am so sorry to hear this Tony and Linda you guys are in my prayers john you will be missed this truly breaks my Heart Rest in peace John💔
David Doyle
from Eldersburg wrote on March 2, 2021:
It's OK Brother....We'll see each other again one day! Lots of fun memories back in the 6th grade! God rest your soul.
Bill Watkins
from Chambersburg, Pa. wrote on March 1, 2021:
So sorry for your loss. I went to school with John and am sad to hear about his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Steve Sauriol
from Frederick Md wrote on March 1, 2021:
Goodbye Johnny my friend
Nicholas Poulos
from Saint Thomas wrote on February 28, 2021:
Miss you Uncle Johnny
Anna and Brian Grover
from Melbourne wrote on February 28, 2021:
Tony and family
We were so sorry to hear this sad news. Please accept our condolences.