Jason Conti, Donor

Jason leaves a legacy of grit, humor, loyalty and love...

Stanley Jason Conti — known to everyone as Jason.
Resourceful, funny, loyal and one of a kind
January 1975 — May 2025

In his too-short life, Jason wore many hats: professional athlete, devoted husband, creative chef, coach, teammate, son, brother and friend. Through every chapter, he was resourceful and knew how to make people laugh. Named after baseball legend Stan Musial, Jason grew up in Pennsylvania, where his childhood was marked by neighborhood adventures, video games and model trains.

Jason excelled in sports from an early age. He was a tough, intelligent standout baseball player. 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. They married on New Year’s Eve of 2002, a perfect reflection of their adventurous spirit and sense of fun.

After baseball, Jason reinvented himself with his signature knack for figuring things out. He earned a degree from Arizona State University, coached youth baseball 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. He became a chef for multiple restaurants in the valley. Jason was endlessly curious and hands-on. He brewed beer, cured meats, gardened and made limoncello. He loved Pearl Jam. He loved playing poker, golf, fantasy sports and video games, somehow managing to excel at all of them. He was quick with a joke, sharp with a comeback and 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 leaves a legacy of grit, humor, loyalty and love.