Mr. Jon D. Goldstein
December 26, 1956 – February 5, 2021

On February 5th, Jon David Goldstein passed away suddenly while vacationing in Naples, Florida. Jon was born on December 26th, 1956 to Hyman & Ruby Goldstein. The oldest of six kids, Jon grew up attending Almont Community Schools where he excelled in sports. He was a four-year starter on both the varsity baseball and football teams. As a star running back, he was recently described by one of his teammates as the essence of power and speed. While a member of the football team he broke many records including the all-time leading rusher.
Although an accomplished football player, Jon’s real success in sports was as a baseball pitcher. Known for a 90+ mile an hour fastball, he threw countless no hitters. Storied to throw so hard, catchers required extra padding in their catcher’s mitts. He even pitched with a broken hand. During that injury he hit a home run. Yes, he hit a home run with one arm during a game.

Numerous offers to play college sports Jon played baseball for Lewis University in Joliet, IL. After a short stint in the Montreal Expos Farm System, he lived in several areas of the country as part of the Kmart Corporation Management Team. Jon made the Chicago Area his home for thirty-five plus years, retiring from the Chicago Board of Education working as a social worker. Known by his son’s friends as “Yanni”, he was the coach, mentor, teacher to all who spent time around him. His entire existence during life revolved around sports. He became a little league referee who ultimately refereed in Cooperstown, NY at The Little League World Series.

Jon is survived by his wife Maria, and son Marc. Predeceased in death by his son Michal. Recently, moving back to his hometown, to be close to his five brothers and sister Jim, Jan, Joni, Jay, and Jeremy. It is difficult to describe a personality as large as Jon’s in words. He often became so much for anyone who crossed paths with him. His compassion for all was rarely matched by his peers. His family and friends ask to please consider donations to youth sport leagues or any sport leagues for that matter. He will be celebrated on February 27th from 1-4 with a memorial at 3:30.