Peter Christopher Matteson

Peter grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he graduated from Chapel Hill High School with the Class of 1986. He attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he was a member of the rowing team, before earning a degree in K–12 Art Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Peter dedicated 16 years to teaching art at Adams Hill Elementary School in San Antonio, where he inspired countless students through his creativity, patience, and encouragement. During this time, he shared many wonderful years with his wife, Katherine, and together they raised their beloved daughter, Lydia. Peter was a caring and devoted father whose love for his daughter was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Known affectionately as “Sweet Pete,” Peter was a gifted musician who played bass and guitar, writing and performing his original music wherever he found an audience. His music took him from San Antonio to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chapel Hill. He was a member of the San Antonio band West Kings Hwy and shared his love of music with everyone he met.

Peter was a kind and gentle soul whose warmth made people feel welcome and valued. He had a gift for connecting with others, whether through a thoughtful conversation, a song, a poem, or a simple act of kindness. His passions were not merely hobbies but ways of bringing joy, understanding, and connection to those around him. He loved spending time on the water and felt especially at home aboard sailboats, finding peace and inspiration in the wind, waves, and open horizon.

In recent years, Peter volunteered with homeless children in after-school programs, combining his passions for music and art to enrich their lives. His favorite musician was James Taylor, followed closely by Bruce Springsteen. A proud North Carolinian, Peter was an enthusiastic Tar Heel and an unwavering fan of North Carolina basketball.

Peter was preceded in death by his father, Stephen. He is survived by his daughter, Lydia (Matthew); her mother, Katherine; grandson, Benjamin; mother, Mary Ann; brother, Stephen Jr.; sister, Anne; nieces, Mattie, Caroline, and Erin; and nephew, Parks.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 315 E. Pecan Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205. Guests are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.porterloring.com.

Peter will be remembered for his creativity, compassion, and generous spirit. Whether sharing a song, reciting a favorite poem, cheering on the Tar Heels, spending time on the water, or being with those he loved, he brought light and joy to the lives of many. His kindness, humor, and artistic soul will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.