Peter L Collom

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Captain Peter Liberty Collom, United States Coast Guard, Retired, on February 11, 2025 on Cape Cod. He was 85.
Born on March 31, 1939 in Providence, RI to Dr. Harold L. and May S. Collom, Peter spent his youth in Apponaug, RI and on the shores of Salt Pond in Narragansett with his older brother David and his younger brother Jonathan. An athlete and an involved member of his community, Peter achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America prior to his graduation from Warwick Veteran's Memorial High School in 1957. Raised on the Rhode Island coast, he graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1961 and served over 30 years as a "Coastie". Peter also earned a master's degree in public administration from American University and graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington DC.
As a cadet Peter sailed to Europe aboard the USCGC Eagle and received his first command at LORAN Station Nomaike in Japan. While serving as the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the USCGC LEGARE, he met Edna Ellen Perry, the woman with whom he would share the next 58 years of his life. They married in August 1967 and began the adventure of their married life traveling up and down the West Coast in an Airstream trailer, solidifying the teamwork that would become the hallmark of their marriage.
Throughout his career, Peter was stationed across the U.S. living and working alongside Edna and their daughters. Their first daughter, Liberty, was born while the couple lived in Washington D.C., and their second daughter, Jennifer, was born in New York City while the family was stationed on Governor's Island. They later lived in New Orleans, LA and in Alexandria, VA, before settling in Massachusetts in 1984, when Peter became Commander of USCG Group Woods Hole. It was in Woods Hole that Peter and his family found their lasting home.
During his tenure as Commander, Peter and Edna oversaw the renovation of the residence at Nobska Lighthouse, transforming it into "Commander's Quarters". Together, they worked to strengthen the connection between Group Woods Hole and the surrounding community. Before retiring from the service in June 1991, Peter commuted between Easterly Cottage on Nobska Point to Boston's First Coast Guard District, ensuring his family could stay on the Cape.
Following his retirement, he remained on Nobska Point for more than 30 years, deeply engaged in the community. He served as President of the Woods Hole Foundation, sat on the board of the Woods Hole Library, and volunteered regularly to help strengthen the community he loved. A passionate gardener, writer, and thoughtful observer of the world, he took great pleasure in simple things –like walking to get the mail at the Woods Hole Post Office with his faithful dog Hebert.
His home away from home was Maplehurst Farm in Pembroke KY, where he took great delight in being a 'good ol' boy', proudly tending to the 'back forty', and enjoying the camaraderie and challenges of operating a small family farm. In his final years, he settled in Falmouth's Greengate neighborhood, just two doors down from his son-in-law's childhood home. There he experienced one of his greatest joys–watching his grandchildren run freely between their grandparents' houses, filing his days with laughter and love.
Peter took a genuine interest in the lives of everyone he met. A steadfast supporter of family and friends, he was a meaningful presence in countless lives. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support will be missed terribly by his family and extensive network of friends both young and old.
He is survived by his loving wife Edna P. Collom of Falmouth, MA, his daughters Liberty S. Collom of Brookline and Falmouth, MA, Jennifer C. Babitsky of Sudbury MA and her spouse Alex Babitsky, and their children, Elijah, Sasha, and Reed Babitsky. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jonathan and Margie Collom, and their daughters Melissa Collom and Virginia McNellis; as well as the children of his late brother and sister-in-law David and Sue Collom: Kurt Collom, Craig Collom, Kristen Jansen, and Eric Collom. Additionally, he leaves behind his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Rayner and her children, Whitaker and Anne Rayner.
A celebration of life will be scheduled for Peter in the late spring or early summer.