Lee Jay Goldstein, age 67, passed away after a prolonged battle with Parkinson's Disease at Linda Manor in Leeds, Massachusetts on April 30, 2026 with his beloved partner Shari Laufer at his side. Lee was born on July 22, 1958 in Brooklyn, NY to Greta and Archie Goldstein. As a very young boy, he was recognized by a local paper for his ability to read at an adult level - he maintained a love of reading, learning, and doodling for over six decades. Lee was a baseball fan and often immersed himself in baseball history, including that of the Brooklyn Dodgers who he lamented not seeing at Ebbets Field, as the team was moved to L.A. after the 1957 season.

While his early years were spent in Brooklyn amongst extended family, Lee graduated from East Stroudsburg High School and attended the Culinary Institute of America. He lived in Philadelphia for most of his life and later moved to Holyoke, Massachusetts to be with Shari. He was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan, as well as a dedicated listener (and sometimes caller) of WIP Philly sports radio. Lee was thrilled to live long enough for the Eagles to win a super Bowl.

Lee is survived by his partner and tireless long-term caretaker, Shari Laufer and her son Seth Hirsch; mother, Greta Goldstein; brother Paul Goldstein; daughters Lauren Goldstein (Miranda), Jenna Goldstein (John), and Lindsay Goldstein; former partner Marcia Barrett and her daughter Elyse Staffieri (Fred). He is preceded in death by his father Archie, brother Andrew, beloved grandparents Dr. Sol and Lillian Goldstein and Herman Gregory Berlin and Cira Berlin and a lifetime of dog friends. A funeral will be held at Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 44 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA on May 11th at 1:30 pm. Shiva will be held on May 11th and 12th at 7 pm at Shari's residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice, 30 Locust Street, Northampton, MA 01060.