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John Peale Obituary
September 2, 1936 - April 22, 2022
The Rev. Dr. John Stafford Peale, 85, a scholar and teacher who loved the life of the mind, died peacefully on April 22, 2022, at his home in Charlottesville, Va.
Dr. Peale was a professor of Philosophy and Religion for his entire 38-year teaching career before retiring from Longwood College (now Longwood University) in Farmville, Va., in 2000. He is survived by his wife, Lydia Woods Peale of Charlottesville; children, Laura Poplack (Steven) of Redwood City, Calif., Cliff Peale (Pepper) of Covington, Ky., and Lacy Peale of Arlington, Va.; grandchildren, Rachel Poplack, Maggie Peale, Emma Poplack, Dan Peale, and Jacob Peale; and sisters, Margaret Peale Everett of Sherman, Conn., and Elizabeth Peale Allen of Pawling, N.Y.
John Peale was a philosopher at heart, always with thousands of books in his home and a cluttered desk where you could find him early each morning. In 1985, he published his first book, "Biblical History as the Quest for Maturity," through Edwin Mellen Press. He dedicated the book to Lydia, "who knows both what it meant and what it means." He was a tennis player, a runner and a dedicated fan of North Carolina basketball. John and Lydia loved to travel, particularly with family. Starting in fall 1990, they spent a year in Beijing, China, teaching at the Foreign Affairs College and traveling throughout China. The trip sparked John's love affair with all things Chinese. In all of their pursuits, John and Lydia were guided by their Christian faith, their belief in the power of intellectual study and their hopeful vision of a more just and compassionate society for all.
Dr. Peale was raised in New York City and Pawling, N.Y. After graduating from Deerfield Academy, he graduated from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy from Boston University, a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of North Carolina.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 Rugby Rd., Charlottesville, Va.
Memories and Condolences
for John Peale
Joseph F Freer
November 25, 2025
I am saddened to just learn of John's passing 3 years ago. He was a gentle soul and a great friend. He helped me beyond measure when I needed it most. We spent a significant amount of time together. We had shared connections as I grew up near Pawling NY. I clearly recall him being bullied when we were adults and quickly put a stop to that nonsense. As we age we have to deal with the death of those that had an impact on our lives, and while it's sad to be writing this so far after the fact I will never forget him. His generosity, character and mentoring were never more than a call away. RIP my friend. I will see you again one day.
Your former Neighbors--Peggy and Brian Flick, Lake Monticello
April 22, 2024
Your former house at Lake Monticello seems so out-of-place since you moved to Charlottesville. We did not see each other, but we always knew that we could count on each other--our sincere wishes to Lydia. I hope you are doing well. Peggy & Brian
Denise Hobbie
April 22, 2024
God bless the entire Peale family as we remember their beloved John.
Cathleen (Hosey) MacDougall
October 2, 2022
I just learned of Dr. Peale's death. God bless him and keep him, and comfort you. He was a colleague at Longwood back in the 1970's, and I always felt goodness when in his presence.
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Candis LaPrade
September 4, 2022
Lydia, I just found out about John. What a good friend and colleague he was. My heart goes out to you. He was so proud of you.
Tracy Meyer
July 19, 2022
Lydia, if you happen to catch this? I am only this morning reading that John passed in April. The obituary is beautifully written and captures his brilliance and intellect. Mention of you and your three "kids" (whom I used to love babysitting!) made me want to reach out to you in this tumultuous year, 2022. I will look for you! Love, Tracy ([email protected])
Tom Pettus (Longwood Student)
May 2, 2022
I certainly enjoyed him as a teacher. I think I had three courses with him, visited his home in FarmVille and near Charlottesville and was married by him.
Bob & Deb Martin
May 1, 2022
Our thoughts are with you all - as is our hope that your memories of John and the times you spent with each other can provide some comfort at this difficult and emotional time.
Darlene Gatlin-Howard
April 29, 2022
Praying for you and your family during this time.
Rick McCormack
April 29, 2022
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Lydia and his family. He was a mentor, advisor and a life changer for me now and always. Rest well my dear friend.
Gloria Perry
April 29, 2022
Rachael, so sorry for your loss. Just reading about your grandfather, it sounds like he was an amazing person! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please cherish the special moments and memories you have shared with him.
Best regards,
Gloria Perry/SSD Coordinator/ Ritenour Middle Schools
BL Catron
April 29, 2022
John played an important role in my life, and I greatly enjoyed our time together. My deepest sympathy to Lydia and the family.
Jeff Jordan
April 28, 2022
THANK YOU Mr. JOHN P. truly enjoyed your presence.
Tina Robertson
April 28, 2022
Dr. Peale was one of my professors at Longwood back in the early 80's. We enjoyed giving each other a hard time in areas we disagreed. I will remember him fondly. My sincerest condolences to his wife and family.
Kristina Robertson
Longwood class of 1985
Peggy & Brian Flick
April 28, 2022
Lydia, so sorry for your loss. We miss you here at Lake Monticello.
Theresa Stufano
April 27, 2022
Dear Peale family, my deepest sympathies for your loss. My heart & prayers are with your family. Theresa
wilma jordan
April 27, 2022
John's family---prayers and love for all of you. Wilma Jordan and family
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