Peter Rosson

Peter Rosson, beloved husband, son, brother, friend and teacher died in his home with his husband at his side in Healdsburg, Ca. on March 19, 2026. Peter was born in San Francisco, Ca. on June 24, 1956. He grew up in Piedmont and Saratoga, Ca. and was a graduate of Saratoga High School and California State University at Chico.

After graduating from college, he worked in marketing for several companies. In 1996, he returned to school and became a third-grade teacher at the Claire Lilienthal School in San Francisco, where he was known as Mr. Rosson in Room 7. He taught for 15 years. A gifted educator, he was loved by students, faculty, parents, and staff. In 2002, Peter received the district teacher of the year award from then San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

In 1986, Peter met the love of his life, David Barrett, and together, they formed a 40-year partnership and marriage that was deeply connected and filled with respect. They built an extraordinary life together. Both entrepreneurial and practical, they balanced each other perfectly in the various businesses they built and their hospitality was legendary. An excellent cook, Peter thought nothing of whipping up a dinner for 25 on the spur of the moment; always in the setting of their warm and beautiful homes.

People were immediately drawn to Peter. His innate kindness, sense of fun and masterful sense of humor were always present. His strength, intelligence, common sense and positive spirit carried him through his life. He developed dozens of close friendships, and his circle of friends was vast; rooted in all the places he lived including Healdsburg, Palm Springs and Sea Ranch, Ca., and where he studied and worked.

Although he died too soon, Peter's life was filled with love of family and friends. He lived his life on his terms and showed up exactly as who he was; consistently and without pretense. His loss is felt deeply and profoundly. To say he is missed is a huge understatement however, his spirit endures as a life that full can never be fully extinguished.

Peter was preceded in death by his mother, Sheila Kneass, who died 11 days before him. He is survived by his husband, David Barrett of Healdsburg and Palm Springs, Ca.; his sister, Katie Rosson (Gibson Scheid) of Healdsburg; his brother, Charlie Rosson (Denise) of Lafayette, Ca.; his nieces, Schuyler and Kiki Rosson of New York City; his stepson, Dave Phinney (Kim) of St. Helena, Ca.; and his step-grandchildren, Lina and Aidan Phinney of Boulder, Co..

Peter's family would like to thank the oncology and hospice unit at Sutter Health in Santa Rosa and the oncology research department at UCSF Clinical Research for the expert and loving care he received. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

Sutter Health c/o Lisa Amador, Office of Philanthropy

34 Mark West Road, Ste. 150

Santa Rosa, Ca., 95403.

A gathering in Peter's memory will be held this summer on a date to be determined.

Published in Healdsburg Tribune · May 11, 2026