William Peters Vergason

William Peters Vergason, of Alexandria, Virginia, died on October 12, 2025 in Rome, Italy. He had the deep soul of a true artist and found his passion in life through sketching and painting. William was an abstract expressionist painter whose vibrant, intuitive canvases emerged from intimate conversations between the artist and his medium. He was continuing his studies in art at Temple University’s Rome program when he unexpectedly passed away at the age of 22.

A full-time student pursuing a BFA in painting at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture, William worked primarily in oil on canvas, creating works that existed, as he described them, “in worlds without recognizable images.” His collections revealed an artist willing to take risks while paying close attention to the basics of color, foundation and form. His extensive website, www.williamvergason.com, is a wonder to behold.

“Painting is such an intimate experience – I develop a relationship with the canvas,” William wrote of his process. “After I place a mark, I allow a moment for the work to digest it, and decide if it is correct. We go back and forth with discourse until we are both satisfied with the product.” This philosophy of listening and engaging in genuine conversation extended well beyond his studio practice.

William, a life-long resident of Old Town Alexandria, attended Lyles-Crouch Elementary School and later The Field School, where he played soccer and formed enduring friendships. To all he met, William was kind, loving, compassionate and engaging. He was endlessly curious about nature and design. He loved travel, food (especially a good espresso, steak tartare and tinned fish), all forms of art, and conversation. He was an entrepreneur and an artist in all aspects of life, with a particular passion for fashion, mid-century modern design, and film. He was also an avid collector and especially treasured his extravagant Nintendo collection.

Over his lifetime, William was drawn to things that spoke to his eye and imagination – Pokemon cards, vintage clothing, and unusual objects that reflected his singular sense of style. His wardrobe, like his artwork, was a form of self-expression: bold, thoughtful and never quite predictable. Friends describe him as someone who made ordinary moments – thrifting, pop-ups, and game nights – feel special.

William was deeply generous and outgoing, known among friends and family as an empathetic soul and exceptional listener. His ability to sleep in late was legendary, as was his charming indecisiveness and consistently contrarian positions. These qualities were quintessentially William and were cherished by all who loved him. His warmth, creativity and generous spirit will be deeply missed.

William is survived by his parents, Victoria and Michael Vergason, his older brother Matthew, his triplet siblings Olivia and Christian, Indi (the beloved family golden retriever), and numerous friends and extended family who knew him as someone who brought color, warmth, and genuine presence to their lives. William will always be remembered for his exquisite ability to see and showcase the beauty in life – of both people and things.

William’s ambition and talent as an artist were evident throughout his life. He particularly enjoyed sketching with his father on family vacations and painting in the studio with his mother. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the William Peters Vergason Scholarship supporting travel and drawing at the University of Virginia School of Architecture. Contributions can be made online at https://www.arch.virginia.edu/giving .

The family wishes to thank the president, dean, staff, faculty and students of Temple University Rome for the support and kindness shown to them at this very difficult time. The family will be honoring William with a memorial stone bench at the University’s Rome campus.

Visitation will be held on November 21, 2025 from 4p to 7p at Demaine Funeral Home located at 520 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia. A private memorial service and burial will be held for William the following day. William will be laid to rest at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia and will be honored at the Virginia Theological Seminary’s Chapel Garden Memorial.

William’s endless love for his family, his passion for his art, his perpetual curiosity, and his deeply caring heart will forever be remembered and cherished.