Peter Rosenthal
On the 25th of May 2024, Peter died at home, surrounded by the love of his family. Left to mourn are his wife Carol, his children Alan (Ellen), Jeffrey (Margaret), Michael,
Daniel, and Esther (Matthew), grandchildren Jeremy, Aaron (Julie), Julian, and Sophie, and great-grandchild Peter. He is predeceased by his first wife, Helen, the mother of Alan, Jeffrey, and Michael.Peter was an esteemed mathematician, lawyer, and political activist with an unwavering passion for helping others. He was a “red diaper baby” whose social activism was inspired by his mother, Esther, and whose love of mathematics came from his father, Harold. In 1969, already a mathematics professor at the University of Toronto, he was arrested at an anti-Vietnam War demonstration. At his subsequent trial, he successfully defended himself. This inspired him to continue his social activism through the legal system. He worked tirelessly to fight injustice and give a voice to the underprivileged and marginalized members of society, taking cases as far as the Supreme Court of Canada. Peter possessed an innate ability to relate to people from all walks of life, making a monumental impact on his math students, legal clients, family, and friends. Although his work garnered a great deal of attention, he always remained humble, treating everyone with respect and honesty. His convictions never got in the way of his friendships. His devotion to teaching and assisting those in need was an inspiration to the many lives he touched. He was a very loving and caring person. Peter will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
Daniel, and Esther (Matthew), grandchildren Jeremy, Aaron (Julie), Julian, and Sophie, and great-grandchild Peter. He is predeceased by his first wife, Helen, the mother of Alan, Jeffrey, and Michael.Peter was an esteemed mathematician, lawyer, and political activist with an unwavering passion for helping others. He was a “red diaper baby” whose social activism was inspired by his mother, Esther, and whose love of mathematics came from his father, Harold. In 1969, already a mathematics professor at the University of Toronto, he was arrested at an anti-Vietnam War demonstration. At his subsequent trial, he successfully defended himself. This inspired him to continue his social activism through the legal system. He worked tirelessly to fight injustice and give a voice to the underprivileged and marginalized members of society, taking cases as far as the Supreme Court of Canada. Peter possessed an innate ability to relate to people from all walks of life, making a monumental impact on his math students, legal clients, family, and friends. Although his work garnered a great deal of attention, he always remained humble, treating everyone with respect and honesty. His convictions never got in the way of his friendships. His devotion to teaching and assisting those in need was an inspiration to the many lives he touched. He was a very loving and caring person. Peter will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
Thank you to Marites, Tata, Dr. Brad Lichtblau, and Dr. Melissa Melnitzer, for their wonderful care.
To honour Peter’s life, please take a moment to delight in the beauty of mathematics,
and speak out against injustice wherever you find it.
A graveside funeral will be held on Wednesday 29 May at Beth Tzedek Memorial Park, 5822 Bathurst Street. The family will welcome visitors from 1-6 pm on Wednesday and 3-6 pm on Thursday, at Peter’s home (367 Palmerston Blvd), to share food and stories.
