Irvin "Irv" E. Deibert, Jr.

Irvin ("Irv") Elmer Deibert, Jr, 85, of Asheville, NC, died Sunday, January 6, 2013, as dawn broke on the Feast of Epiphany. He was born September 24, 1927, to the late Dr Irvin and Elizabeth Deibert, of Camden, NJ. He was preceded in death by sisters, Betty Deibert, of Camden, NJ, and Jean Deibert Codding, of Birmingham, AL. He is survived by a sister, Ann Deibert Henry, of Avalon, NJ; sons, Donald Irvin Deibert, of Asheville, NC, and Richard Irvin Deibert, with daughter-in-law Elizabeth Mangum Deibert, of Lakewood Ranch, FL; grandchildren Emily (24), Catherine (21), Andrew (19), Rebecca (16); and his beloved therapy companion, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Izzy. Irv proudly served in the Army of the United States from 1946-1947, entering into service at Fort Dix, NJ, and stationed in the Philippines with the 8107th Service Detachment, before being honorably discharged as Corporal from Fort Lawton, WA, to complete his education at Princeton University. Irv was a man of deep trust in Jesus Christ. He loved all people without judgment; relished words, especially the Word of Scripture; honored God's glory in the natural world; remained steadfast to his late wife and best friend of 53 years, Barbara, and their family; believed humor to be an important part of healing; and was a true philanthropist, a generous benefactor of anything truly human. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and to Irv's Memory will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 12, in St Giles Chapel of the Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community, preceded by a family Graveside Service in the Churchyard of Calvary Episcopal Church in Fletcher, NC. Irv's current pastor, the Rev Morgan Gardner, Chaplain of Deerfield, and former pastor, the Rev. Ashley Crowder Stanley, previously of Biltmore United Methodist Church, will officiate. Immediately following the service, a thanksgiving party for all will be held in the Blue Ridge Room of Deerfield. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorials to two of Irv's beloved communities: St Giles Chapel of Deerfield, 1617 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803; pet therapy service, Paws On A Mission, 890 Hendersonville Road, Suite 300, Asheville, NC 28803. Groce Funeral home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road is in charge of arrangements. Glory to God for all things.