Dr. Timothy V. Peters, of Flagtown, N.J., passed away on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at 87 years of age.

He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Dr. Janice Yates Peters; his two daughters, Judith A. Peters and Susan G. Peters; his son-in-law, John James McDonald; his sister-in-law, Sallie Yates Box; and his family of many cousins, nieces, nephews and “borrowed children” from all over the world. He was preceded in death by his son, Robin D. Peters.

Timothy Victor-Hugo Peters Jr. was born March 4, 1929, in Burrville, Tenn. He was the ninth of 10 children born to the Rev. Timothy Victor-Hugo Peters and Alleyna Talley Peters and he was the longest surviving sibling. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the chemical warfare division to bring dangerous war chemicals out of Germany.

He received his bachelor of science degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, then later his master’s and doctorate in both chemistry and math from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Working with DuPont, Dr. Peters was part of the team that invented spandex, one of the most important synthetic fiber developments in the 20th century.

Dr. Peters was a world-renowned polyurethane chemist, with many patents, working globally his entire life in the fields of elastomeric fibers, natural and synthetic leather and chemical environmental recovery. He and his wife started their life together in Louisiana and lived in Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island, Florida and several times in New Jersey. They also lived in Caracas, Venezuela, and Rovetta, Italy.

Dr. Peters spent considerable time in Japan, Korea, China, Israel, Belgium, Germany, Brazil and other countries directing new spandex fiber and synthetic leather facility startups. He mentored many international students and young chemists and engineers throughout his career, all of whom are better men and women for that rewarding experience.

No services will be held now, as Tim and Janice Peters wished us to celebrate their lives as one, as they have always done everything together for 70 years since they first became high school sweethearts. Letters of condolence may be sent to the Peters Family at P.O. Box 24, Flagtown, NJ 08821 or to 43 Dead Tree Run Road, Belle Mead, NJ 08502 or to jpeters4@comcast.net. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Peters’ memory may be made to the Van Harlingen Historical Society, P. O. Box 23, Belle Mead, NJ 08502.