1939
07
Sheldon "Shelly" Goldstein, of Squirrel Hill and Mt. Lebanon, passed away the morning of Saturday, March 25, 2017. Shelly was born July 5, 1939, and grew up in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood. He spent much of his time on ball fields, basketball courts, and at his parents' restaurant on lower Fifth Avenue, Goldstein's Restaurant. Shelly attended Schenley High School, where he excelled in baseball and basketball. After graduating, he attended Marshall University on a college basketball scholarship. After one semester, Shelly left and joined the Army. After his time in the Army, Shelly transferred to Slippery Rock University, where he was an accomplished member of the swim team. Shelly's passion for sports and athletics carried him into his professional career. After completing his master's degree at the University of Pittsburgh, Shelly became a teacher and coach at high schools in the Pittsburgh area. Shelly coached baseball at Mt Lebanon High School, where they won several WPIAL and PIAA state championships in the 1980s and 1990s. Shelly also coached at Brashear High School, where he became known as "Coach Gold." He won city championships in swimming and basketball while at Brashear. The 1994-1995 basketball season at Brashear was Shelly's crowning achievement when his team won the city league championship. He remained very close with the players from this team and followed them throughout their college careers. Shelly retired in 1995, going out on top. "One of my favorite things about going out with my uncle," niece Beth Goldstein Goldman laments, "is when his players would recognize him all of these years later. It was really special to hear the students share their favorite 'Coach Gold' memory with him. He was a positive male role model for so many of his students." Shelly was inducted into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (JSHOF) of Western Pennsylvania, an organization known for giving back to youth sports in the community, for coaching. Shelly served as president for the JSHOF and was a board member for over 30 years. In his retired years, Shelly enjoyed traveling to visit friends, golfing, and attending Pittsburgh sporting events. He rarely missed a home Pitt football or Steelers game with his brother Bob. Shelly resided in Mt Lebanon for 30 years and was an active member at both the South Hills and Squirrel Hill Jewish community centers. Shelly was a character who was always joking with his friends and having fun. For several years, he dressed as Santa Claus for families of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the holidays, humbly accepting Penguins tickets in exchange for his services. Shelly was also a locally famous Simon Says caller. Shelly was very special and loved by everyone who knew him. Shelly is survived by his brother, Bob (Linda) Goldstein; niece, Beth (Jeremy) Goldman; and nephew, Michael (Maggie) Goldstein. He is also survived by a daughter, Araan (Doug) Burnett; and grandchildren, Megan and Macey. Shelly is preceded in death by his parents, Murray and Hilda Goldstein; and brother, Harry (Roz) Goldstein. Shelly leaves behind cousins, and friends across the country, as well as the countless students whose lives he positively impacted.
Visitation is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at RALPH SCHUGAR CHAPEL INC., 5509 Centre Ave., Shadyside. Services will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be in Tree of Life Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, 5738 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. A memorial scholarship fund for high school senior athletes has been set up in Shelly's memory. www.schugar.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ralph Schugar, Inc. Funeral Chapel.
Bob: You are very lucky to have had such a great relationship with Shelly who happened to be not only your brother but also your best friend. Shelly could not have been nicer to me when I lived in Pittsburg and I aways was greatful. It was always a blast when he came to A.C. You have a lot of terrific memories as well as a lot of good stories to tell about Shelly.
Mike
Mike Kleeman
April 2, 2017
My condolences to his family. I'll miss Shelly and his great stories. Last saw him at a Pirate game in Florida. A great guy.
Hugh Carr
March 29, 2017
I offer my most sincere condolences to the Goldstein family. Being a coach is akin to being a teacher. The entire family has offered me tremendously valuable life lessons. Coach Goldstein's life work and all the people whose lives he improved speaks for itself. I offer my appreciation and sympathies.
Jim Griffin
March 29, 2017
Bob and Linda, Shelly was always such a kind, funny and gracious man. We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kerry and Joel Smooke
kerry smooke
March 28, 2017
Shelly will always hold a very special place in my heart. What a caring person whom I respected and loved dearly. No matter where we went, he always knew somebody and they knew him! My deepest sympathy to the family.
Kim Rivera
March 27, 2017
Bob,
I am so sorry to her about Shelly. I know how close the two of you were--he was a great guy. May his memory be a blessing.
Meryl
Meryl Butters
March 27, 2017
Bob,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Sincerely,
Kaveh
Kaveh Ilkhanipour
March 27, 2017
Dear Bob: I was saddened to read of the passing of your brother. Please accept my condolences on your loss. - Jeff Pollock, Esq. (Sq. Hill)
March 27, 2017
I am shocked to hear about you brother and "best friend", Bob, my prayers are with you from Philadelphia, stay strong throughout you misery.
FRUITS
March 27, 2017
I am shocked to hear about your "best friend" and brother, Bob.. I only say prayers from Philadelphia that you stay strong throughout your misery.
FRUITS
March 27, 2017
My condolences to the entire Goldstein family - Shelly (Coach) was one of the great guys of this world. So many wonderful memories throughout High School of not only a Coach, but a great friend and mentor. He will be sorely missed!!
Nick Pellegrino
Brashear HS - Class of 1980
Nick Pellegrino
March 27, 2017
God bless Coach Goldstein, a great teacher and coach, he was an excellent role model for so many young men! May you rest in peace!
Mark Limbruner
March 27, 2017
Bob,
Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
Bruce MacLeod
March 27, 2017
My condolences to you Bob and your family on the passing of Shelly. He will certainly be missed.
LEW KRAUSE
March 27, 2017
Rich Falgione
March 26, 2017
Our heartfelt condolences to Araan Burnett and her lovely family. May you find peace and love in all of your beautiful memories. Much love to you all. Love, Nestor Family.
March 26, 2017
My condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May God strengthen you and give you peace during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11
March 26, 2017
Gold was the best , Will never forget the man that made four years of high school memorable.
Brashear 77-81
Mark Raymond
March 26, 2017
So sorry to hear about Shelly's passing. Such a great guy and a good friend. Have known him from his school days in Oakland. Always one with a joke and a smile. Rest in Peace.
Betty & Dave Slain
Dave Slain
March 26, 2017
Shelly
was a great person, great teacher and a great friend.
You will be missed my friend, and you were my Boy Gold, you were my Boy!
All my prayers from a
former student, athlete, and friend,
Roger Malone
Roger Malone
March 26, 2017
Bob
I'm so sorry for your loss.Your brother had a great smile and will be missed.
Ross Sindler
March 26, 2017
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Ralph Schugar, Inc. Funeral Chapel5509 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
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Ralph Schugar, Inc. Funeral Chapel5509 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
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