Chester (Chet) Roaman

February 19, 1939 - September 6, 2022

After surviving health challenges, Chet (Chester) Roaman quietly passed away on September 6, 2022, at 83 years young.

Chet, born and raised in Bronx NY to Jewish Russian immigrant parents. After College he had a successful career in NY as publishing editor at Harper & Row (Now Harper/Collins), having a rich. full life with prominent friends and high income but as a young gay man with progressive ideals in 1970 he moved to San Francisco.

In SF he worked as independent editor, coauthoring books with innovative 3D filmmaker Lenny Lipton. Before internet self-publishing, Chet helped Small & Indie independent press’ among others, City Lights books. He authored a column for Zoetrope funded City Magazine entitled “Roaman Around” interviewing gay celebrities including poet Allan Ginsburg, Ginsburg’s lover & Cockettes founder Hibiscus & the singer Sylvester.

Chet earned his Baccalaureate at City College (now University) of New York, 1st Masters NYU in English Lit & 2nd at Harvard in Middle English Lit. Appreciation for quality accessible education led him to join the faculty at City College of San Francisco teaching English and ESL, where he was well loved & respected by his colleagues & students.

Chet’s community contribution is evidenced by Friends of the Library where he helped save local library branches. He improved neighborhood life with support of local parks & opposition to hospital landing pad and sat as arbiter in SFDA’s Neighborhood Court an innovative approach for resolving community issues without Department of Justice involvement.

Chet loved Opera, SF Conservatory Music, art museums, friends, bay area food universe. his garden & deck, home, housekeeper Mila & caregiver Juan, City College colleagues, Potrero Hill buddies, library family, & traveling companions,

A Memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, February 19 between 1-3pm at 1180 DeHaro Street RSVP chetzobit6@gmail.com. All are welcome.