Irving Richardson Peters, 73, of Earlysville, VA, was called home to heaven on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, with his family at his side.

Irv is survived by his wife, Gail, of Earlysville, VA; son, Charlie (Meaghan) of North Attleboro, MA; daughter, Elizabeth (Adrian), of San Diego, CA; granddaughters, Penelope, Alice, and Elliotte; sister, Louise Friend (Hugh); and nephew, Remington (Florence), all of Friendsville, MD; and sisters-in-law, Reba Parker (Paul) and Joanie Johnston (Joel) and their families.

Born February 15,1951, in Ashland, KY, Irv was the son of Franklin Woodson Peters and Louise "Tita" Peters. Irv never lived in KY; his father was trying to induce overdue labor the old-fashioned way, taking his wife over bumpy country roads until at last they arrived at a hospital in another state where Irv was born. Surprise, it was twins!

At a young age, Irv moved with his family from southwestern Pennsylvania (where his lifelong support of the Steelers and Pirates was born) to his beloved Liberty Hall Farm in Albemarle County. It was here that Irv developed his passion for horses, craftsmanship and good hard work.

Irv graduated from Albemarle High School in 1969, playing for the undefeated district football champions and playing guitar in a band appropriately named, "The Mourning After." An on-and-off college education ensued at Colgate University, UVA and Virginia Tech, along with a year of hitchhiking across America. He ultimately finished his degree in Theatre Arts at Tech in 1976, where he met his future wife Gail in a theater production.

Irv spent many seasons performing as an actor, stuntman and horseman in outdoor drama. He also became a principal owner and director of a touring theatrical company. His well-received plays and musicals traveled from Florida to Rhode Island, with stops at military bases, vacation resorts and dinner theaters dotted along the East Coast. Irv was a member of Actors Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild with a resume that included film work. He received critical acclaim for his wit and comedic timing, a talent which served him and those around him all his life.

Irv and Gail married and headed west in 1982, settling in Burbank, CA, where they raised their children, Charlie and Lizzie. Irv built a contracting business and became a preferred painter in the homes of Hollywood's A-list stars and agents. No one was surprised when Irv was named by Los Angeles Magazine as a Top Artisan and one of the "Designers' Best Trade Secrets." A deeply involved parent, Irv served as a youth sports coach and volunteer for high school athletics. He was a brave and fearless man who earned media recognition for heroically rushing into a burning home to save the life of an elderly next-door neighbor.

At the age of 53, Irv was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer, followed by a brain metastasis the following year. He beat devastating odds to survive the disease and blessed his family with 20 additional years together. Irv and Gail retired to Albemarle County in 2017. These past seven years were filled with the love of old and new friends, the beauty of the four seasons and blue ridges, and acted as medicine for Irv's final days. Of particular comfort was the service of his church's Stephen Ministry. Above all, the family wishes to thank Carolyn Berry for her constant, loving and devoted care to her "buddy" Irv.

Irv was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Marian, twin brother Sidney, and brother Frank.

A memorial service officiated by Rev. Connie Clark will take place on October 12, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Buck Mountain Episcopal Church, 4133 Earlysville Road, Earlysville, VA 22936.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Buck Mountain Episcopal Church. Irv will be laid to rest beside Sidney at Monticello Memorial Gardens in Charlottesville in a private ceremony.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.

Submitted by MaryAnn Robertson.