Joshua Clark Sumpter Ph.D.

Joshua Clark Sumpter, 33, a native of Cloverdale, Ca., who attended Healdsburg city schools growing up, died Friday, May 1, 2026 after a 12-year battle with cancer.

Josh graduated from Healdsburg High School in 2010 and went on to earn Bachelor's, Master's and PhD degrees in mathematics at UC Davis. A teaching assistant at UC Davis, and professor at University of Rochester in New York, Josh taught calculus and other advanced mathematics courses.

The son of Brian and Shawn Sumpter, both residents of Cloverdale and Healdsburg High School graduates. Josh is survived by his wife of five years, Erica Sumpter; uncle, Gary Sumpter; many cousins and the friends he made in Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Davis, and at the University of Rochester. Josh was beloved by Erica's family; John Oberg, Cyndi Oberg, Allison, Ryleigh and Wyatt Nelson, Chad Oberg, and Tom and Dorie Zwinger.

Josh enjoyed hiking and exploring with the love of his life, Erica. An avid junior golfer during his teenage years, Josh not only played for his high school team, but won one of the two major tournaments that make up the Lake County Junior Circuit.

While his loss is hard to bear, he would want us all to go on and lead long and happy lives, which he unfortunately was denied.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026 beginning at 11a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Cloverdale with a celebration of life to follow at the adjoining hall. All relatives and friends are welcome to attend and share their memories of Josh.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society Boston Hope Lodge where Josh and Erica stayed while he received treatment in 2023. Click on the link to donate: https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/pages/1213 and click on the "Donate" button. Please add a message noting that your donation is in memory of Joshua Sumpter.

Published in Healdsburg Tribune · May 7, 2026