We were baruch Hashem privileged to have known Tzion Goldstein ע״ה. I remember being so happy when I heard the news that Devorah Leah Preger became a kallah. When someone first pointed out Devorah Leah’s chosson to me in 770 I was impressed by his appearance, a Chossid of tall stature and regal bearing. As time passed, we got to personally know Tzion and his sterling character. When he started to work as a car service driver he was the first one we would try to call. He was always, literally always, so kind, friendly and so accommodating. If for some reason he was not able to do it he would apologize. One incident in particular is etched in my memory. I worked with a shlucha to distribute winter jackets to children in need. I called Tzion and I asked him to drive me to one of the Crown Heights schools to drop off the coats. He waited patiently for me while I was inside and then drove me home. I did not have the cash on hand to pay him, but I told him I would bring it to his home. He told me he didn’t want me to pay him for this! Of course, I insisted that I wanted to pay him. When I knocked at the Goldstein’s door one evening, Tzion answered and apologized that he didn’t hear my knock right away as he was reading a story to his children. Again, always so kind and sensitive.

When I heard the devastating news that Tzion was sick I was shocked. I thought it was some kind of mistake. Tzion Goldstein, who always looked so strong and healthy?! So young?! Throughout his illness we davened for him. There were times that we heard that the situation was critical and then miraculously he survived. The Succos before Tzion passed away a neighbor told me that things didn’t look good. B”H Tzion lived another ten months.

There were times when I would see him shopping for his family at Empire Kosher for Shabbos. He appeared so thin and fragile. With barely any strength, he picked out the fruits and vegetables and placed them in his cart. He didn’t give in to his pain, and he wouldn’t give up on living life fully. Despite his gentle and aidel nature Tzion was a fighter.

We were so saddened by the news of his passing. I remember thinking about the fact that he passed away on Chof Av, the Yahrzeit of Reb Levik, the father of the Rebbe Melech haMoshiach. This fully attested to his special neshoma. Tzion left behind his devoted and beloved wife and three beautiful children, may they all be well. May we see the fulfillment of the Aibishter’s promise that, “those who lie in the dust will rise and sing,” with the complete revelation of the Rebbe Melech haMoshiach, when everyone will be united with their loved ones. May it happen immediately now!