Christopher G. Peters

Christopher G. Peters, 69, died peacefully at home in Severna Park, MD, on Oct. 8, 2026, from pancreatic cancer.

Chris was born outside of Pittsburgh on July 31, 1957, to Virginia Patterson and the late George Peters. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kelly O’Toole; brother Jeff Peters; sister Sandy (Randy) Muthersbaugh; stepmother Suellen Simons Peters; stepbrother Neal (Lauren) Simons; brothers-in-law Kevin (Melinda) O’Toole and Kerry O’Toole; nieces and nephews; and the most amazing friends.

After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard where he participated in rescues that saved more than 50 lives, Chris held a variety of sales and technical roles. His technical prowess led him to the IT world, where he eventually became the IT director for Pennsylvania’s largest architectural firm. Shifting to strategy, he formed the world’s first online marketplace for metal, called MetalSite. He created additional marketplaces in 30 industries worldwide.

Chris later narrowed his focus to consulting on defense manufacturing supply chains. A major accomplishment was the creation of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics, where he served as the first executive director. He was honored earlier this year with the prestigious Mantech Champion Award for his leadership and dedication to defense manufacturing technology. He was a frequent speaker and author of numerous articles and papers.

Chris didn’t reserve his energy just for work. He ran 17 marathons starting at the age of 48. These included one on every continent—yes, he ran one on Antarctica—to join the elite Seven Continents Club. (Read a story that appeared in the local paper.)

He dabbled in standup comedy and acting early in his career. The next time you watch Silence of the Lambs, look for the television cameraman in the scene where Hannibal Lecter is being held in a cage. Chris joked that he was on screen for two seconds in full-screen format and three seconds in wide-screen format.

He was funny, caring, curious (sometimes annoyingly so to Kelly), supportive and loving. He had the most infectious, joyful laugh and a constant twinkle in his eye. As someone who knew him for just minutes said, he had an imp on his shoulder.

We will celebrate this remarkable man at a date to be announced. His ashes will be spread in his beloved Adirondack Mountains, the Chesapeake Bay and special places around the world as Kelly fulfills her promise to him to continue seeking adventures.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Johns Hopkins Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund or organizations focused on two of his favorite things—children and animals.