Jason Goldstein

Jason Brent Goldstein, a devoted husband, father, son, brother, cousin, and friend, passed away on Tuesday, the 25th of February 2025, after a courageous three-and-a-half-year battle with ALS. Born in Washington, D.C., to Jack Charles Goldstein and Leslie Silber Goldstein, Jason’s life was one of passion, adventure, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Though born in D.C., Jason moved with his family to Houston before his first birthday, where he spent his formative years. His education began at The Little Montessori School House, followed by The Kinkaid School, from which he graduated in 1987. It was during this time that Jason discovered his love for tennis, his relentless drive and commitment to the sport shaped much of his early life. When he wasn’t in school, he was on the court, training with a tight-knit group of equally dedicated friends. His talent and work ethic propelled him to national recognition as a top-ranked junior player, competing in USTA tournaments.

Jason continued his academic and athletic journey at the University of Pennsylvania, where he played varsity tennis and graduated from The Wharton School in 1991. Long bus rides, grueling two-a-day practices, and the camaraderie of competition forged lifelong friendships, many of which remained strong until his final days.

Jason shared a deep bond with his younger sister, Jill Paige Goldstein. Though their lives took them to different places, they eventually found their way back to Houston, where their relationship grew even stronger. In the final weeks of his life, Jill was a constant source of love and support, standing by his side until the very end.

After a brief stint on the semi-pro tennis circuit, Jason channeled his competitive spirit and disciplined work ethic into a career in finance. His sharp analytical mind and entrepreneurial instincts led him to various roles in traditional finance, as well as a brief detour into the dot-com boom. Seeking to deepen his expertise, he earned his MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Management in 1998. He later worked in investment banking in New York, with his final role at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette.

Jason met the love of his life, Amy Santos de Dios, at a Dartmouth tennis camp in 1985. Their friendship grew over the years before evolving into something deeper, and in 2002, they married, continuing a love story decades in the making. Together, they shared a passion for travel, a love of great food and an insatiable curiosity about the world. Their honeymoon, a three-month adventure through Southeast Asia, perfectly reflected their shared love of exploration and discovery.

After the honeymoon and upon returning to Houston, Jason founded Blossom Street Capital, a boutique investment bank. He later transitioned into the oil and gas industry before co-founding Wincoram Asset Management in 2020. His passion for finance never waned, he thrived on the intellectual challenge and ever-evolving nature of the industry, working until the end of 2024.

While tennis and finance were lifelong passions, Jason found his greatest purpose in fatherhood. His son, Ethan Hanover Goldstein, was born on the 5th of October 2005, his middle name a tribute to Hanover, NH, the place where Jason and Amy first met. Their family was complete with the arrival of their daughter, Zoe Simone Goldstein, on the 11th of February 2010, forming what Jason lovingly called their “four-pack.”

Jason was unwavering in his devotion to his children, providing for them, supporting them, and loving them unconditionally. When Ethan immersed himself in baseball, Jason rarely missed a game or practice. He meticulously researched teams, opponents, equipment, coaches, and stats, turning every aspect of the game into a well-crafted spreadsheet. Yet his analytical nature never overshadowed the simple joy of sitting on the bench, watching his son play with pride.

With Zoe, Jason marveled as she blossomed from a shy child into a confident artist and musician. Whether she was creating in the studio or performing with her rock band, he was always in the front row, cheering her on with uncontainable enthusiasm. He watched her performances on repeat, eager to share his admiration with anyone who would listen. His pride was immeasurable, his love undeniable.

While both his personal and professional lives were reaching new heights, life delivered a cruel and unexpected blow. In October 2021, Jason began experiencing small but troubling symptoms, a slow gait, an occasional stumble, that he could not ignore. A visit to a neurologist quickly confirmed the unthinkable: Jason had ALS. After an initial period of denial followed by a period of exhaustive research, he faced the diagnosis head-on, determined to fight with everything he had.

Finding Dr. Merit Cudkowicz at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston was a turning point. In her, Jason found not only a world-class physician but a true partner in his journey. His quarterly visits to the ALS clinic felt less like medical appointments and more like homecomings, filled with warmth, expertise, and unwavering support. The compassion and humanity of the team at Mass General gave him hope, even in the face of an unforgiving disease.

Jason’s gratitude for the Healey Center inspired him to take action. In May 2023, he organized a fundraiser in New York, rallying colleagues and friends to support ALS research. Their collective generosity resulted in a substantial donation, one he hoped would make a lasting impact.

Later, when his son’s varsity baseball team proposed an ALS awareness night and fundraiser, Jason was deeply moved. The event became an unforgettable display of solidarity, as the Kinkaid community, along with family and friends, gave generously and enthusiastically. That night, the love in the stands was palpable. Jason, never one to seek the spotlight, was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. Even as ALS took its toll, he remained committed to helping the next person facing the same battle, determined to leave the world better than he found it.

Jason's life was too short, but exceedingly full. Jason is survived by his devoted wife, Amy Santos de Dios Goldstein; his son, Ethan Hanover Goldstein; his daughter Zoe Simone Goldstein; his loving parents, Leslie and Jack Goldstein; his sister, Jill Paige Goldstein; his father-in-law, Nicanor Santos de Dios; his mother-in-law, Frances Santos de Dios; and his sister-in-law, Anna Santos de Dios.Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents, Anne and Joe Silber, and Rae and Benny Goldstein.

A memorial service is to be conducted at twelve noon on Sunday, the 2nd of March, at Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood Blvd in Houston, where Rabbi David A. Lyon Senior Rabbi is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family for a meal of condolence in the Wolff-Toomim Hall.

Prior to the service the family will have gathered for a private interment at Beth Israel Memorial Gardens in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be made in honor of Jason Goldstein to ALS Research at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General and mailed to the Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114, Attention: Kylie Baruffi. Memorial Contributions can also be made online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate?re_fund=233893&is_designation=1&designation=Healey%20Center - Please be sure to indicate that the gift is a tribute gift in memory of Jason Goldstein.