Mark A Goldstein

September 30,1952 - June 6,2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Mark Goldstein, husband of Kris, father of Emily Howland (Richard) and Nicole (Justin Jolly), grandfather to Gwendolyn and Richard Howland and brother to Howard Goldstein.
Mark was born in NYC and grew up in Hicksville, Long Island. He was a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Shaaerai Zedic, where his father was a board member and his mother was active in the sisterhood there. He had an orthodox upbringing and his family kept kosher, a tradition which Mark and Kris continued in their home.
Mark met Kris while a student at Cornell University, where he earned a degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation, he was offered an internship at the prestigious Angell Memorial Hospital in Boston, followed by working at Andover Animal Hospital near Boston. After a few years in private practice, he joined the staff at Angell Memorial hospital as an internal medicine doctor with specialties in oncology and hematology. Mark was director of the Boston Zoos for several years until he became Zoo director at the Los Angeles Zoo, where he was involved with the preservation of California Condors. Mark also worked with a private aquarium company ( Sea Clear) developing accounts with NASA and Rainforest Cafes. Then he worked as Vice President of the San Francisco Humane Society and, finally, as president of the San Diego Humane Society for 10 years.
He retired early due to a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis which continued to haunt him with chronic pain until his passing. While bravely facing this disease, he was able to write and publish a book about his many career experiences and what he learned from working with animals, called Lions and Tigers and Hamsters: What Animals Large and Small Taught Me About Life, Love and Humanity.
Mark and Kris have lived in San Diego for 25 years. Mark survived 4 years after a diagnosis of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, largely due in to his wonderful pancreatic surgeon Dr. Andrew Lowey. He was asked by Dr Lowey to help others with the same diagnosis to cope with the side effects of chemotherapy and recovery after a Whipple procedure, which he was always happy to do, hoping to educate others through his experience.
Mark enjoyed helping others, when their pets had problems, to understand a diagnosis or what treatment options there were. He continued this to his last day.
He and Kris gave their family a strong Jewish identity which will live on. Mark knew his days were numbered and he was thrilled to be able to meet his goal of seeing his granddaughter, Gwendolyn, be a Bat Mitzvah this past May.
A memorial service will be held at Congregation Beth Israel, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 11am PST, followed by a luncheon at Congregation Beth Israel. For those who cannot attend here is a link of the live stream: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83949212369
Please email Kris or send a comment on Facebook if you plan to attend the lunch to help us plan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Congregation Beth Israel, Jewish family services of San Diego, and the MSPCA ( Massachusetts society for prevention of cruelty to animals).