Stanley Jason Conti

Stanley Jason Conti—known to everyone as Jason—passed away at the age of 50, leaving behind a legacy of grit, humor, loyalty, and love. In his too-short life, Jason wore many hats: professional athlete, devoted husband, creative chef, coach, teammate, son, brother, and friend. Through every chapter, one constant remained; he was endlessly resourceful and knew how to make people laugh, even in the darkest of times.

Named after baseball legend Stan Musial, Jason grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, where his childhood was marked by neighborhood adventures, video games, and model trains. He quickly proved to be both athletic and clever, figuring out how to make the most of what he had, whether it was a backyard ballgame or a train set.

Jason excelled in sports from an early age. He was a tough, intelligent, and dedicated player. These qualities enabled him to excel as a high school football quarterback and, more importantly, a standout baseball player. His father, Stan Conti, taught him how to throw a baseball, which he learned to do expertly. He had speed, power, and a deep understanding of the game of baseball. After choosing to attend the University of Pittsburgh instead of accepting an early MLB draft offer, Jason helped his team win the 1995 Big East Championship. A year later, he was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks, chasing his dream all the way to the Major Leagues with talent, tenacity, and just the right amount of sarcasm.

In 1997, Jason met the love of his life, Cari, in South Bend, Indiana, a story that, like many of Jason's, is equal parts fate and comedy. They married on New Year's Eve 2002, a perfect reflection of their adventurous spirit and sense of fun. Life with Jason was never dull. He could turn a simple moment into a story worth telling.

Though his professional baseball career ended with a beautiful final at-bat in Italy under a setting sun, Jason's journey was far from over. Like he always did, he reinvented himself with his signature knack for figuring things out. He earned a degree from ASU, coached young baseball players with heart and insight, and discovered a new calling in the kitchen. He had no formal culinary training, but he had a gift; he would try something new and work to re-create the recipe. His culinary career took him through various kitchens in Phoenix, most recently at The Craftsman in Tempe, where he found a professional home for the past two years.

Jason was endlessly curious and always hands-on. He brewed beer, cured meats, grew a garden, and made limoncello. He loved poker, golf, fantasy sports, and video games and somehow managed to excel at all of them. He was quick with a joke, sharp with a comeback, and always had a gleam in his eye that said he was one step ahead of you. Jason could be salty, stubborn, and blunt, but he was also a hugger, a helper, and the guy who showed up when it counted.

Jason is preceded in death by his father, Stanley Conti. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cari Conti; his mother, Carolyn Conti; his siblings, Raechel (Brian) DeVinney, Anthony (Bekah) Conti, and Nick Conti. His nephews and nieces Max, Samantha, and Elizabeth DeVinney, James and Cadence Conti; beloved Aunts and Uncles; and the countless friends, teammates, coaches, and restaurant colleagues who were drawn to his authenticity, humor, and fierce loyalty.

Jason lived boldly, gave freely, and left an indelible mark on those who knew him best. His quick wit, quiet strength, and unwavering loyalty will echo in the stories we tell, the meals we share, and the music we hear. Even in his final moments, he gave the ultimate gift of himself by donating his organs so that others could live on. That selflessness is the clearest reflection of who he truly was, courageous, and full of heart.

The Arizona Diamondbacks will honor Jason’s memory with a moment of silence before their home game on Sunday, June 29, 2025, marking the 25th anniversary of his MLB debut. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in his honor to Donate Life Arizona https://www.donatelifeaz.org or the American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/