Margaret Elizabeth “Peg” (Coad) Cicirelli, Commander, USCG (ret.), passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at the age of 82.

A fierce trailblazer, Peg dedicated her life to breaking barriers, serving her country, and lifting up her community. Born on November 25, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Margaret Elizabeth (Carr) and John Dennis Coad. She grew up in Hillsboro and later returned to St. Louis County, graduating from Webster College. Instilled with a lifelong drive for education, she later earned both an MBA and an MPA from Golden Gate University.

Peg’s historic military career began in May 1964 when she enlisted in a specialized U.S. Navy program, attending the Women’s Officer School (WOS) in Newport, Rhode Island, between her junior and senior years of college. Upon her college graduation in May 1965, she was officially commissioned as an Ensign. Armed with a degree in mathematics, the Navy assigned her to computer programming—a twist of fate for a woman who openly admitted she never liked computers. Despite this, she excelled. She learned COBOL directly from computing pioneer Captain Grace Murray Hopper, who became a lifelong role model. Decades later, Peg had the distinct honor of serving as RADM Hopper’s official escort when she addressed the graduating class of cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Peg’s early duty stations took her across the Atlantic on the SS United States to London, England, where she served as the only female programming watch officer at the Fleet Operations Control Center. Ever courageous, she volunteered to serve in Vietnam in 1968, though women were barred from combat zones at the time and her request was denied. In December 1971, in a reflection of the institutional biases of the era, Peg was forced to resign from the Navy due to being eight months pregnant.

Undeterred by the system, she fought her way back into military service, joining the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve in November 1976. Over a distinguished 23-year career, Commander Cicirelli continually shattered glass ceilings. She served as the first female administrative officer aboard the historic USCG Barque Eagle, instructed cadets at the Coast Guard Academy, and served as the training officer of the boot camp at the USCG Training Center in Cape May. She retired in May 1993 with the rank of Commander, celebrated for her leadership, intellect, and advocacy for those serving under her.

While stationed on Governors Island, NY, Peg met the absolute love of her life, Captain Raymond Victor Cicirelli, USCG (ret.). They married on August 14, 1984, blending their families and embarking on a deeply devoted 35-year partnership built on mutual respect, shared laughter, and a profound understanding of military life. They were true soulmates and constants for one another until his passing in 2019.

Peg’s retirement from the Coast Guard was simply the beginning of another impactful, vibrant chapter. Together, they traveled the world, exploring Alaska, Croatia, Russia, Greece, Côte d’Ivoire, most of Europe, and road trips across the States. Peg meticulously documented these journeys, creating rich travel albums filled with photos, brochures, and written narratives that captured their shared adventures.

Driven by a profound sense of civic duty, Peg became a pillar of community service. Between 1996 and 2010, she volunteered for hospice, providing comfort and dignity to over 60 families. Peg was an active educator and supporter for the Alzheimer’s Association, as she supported Ray and countless other families in the region. Peg and Ray also opened their home to the world, hosting over 25 international teenagers from 13 countries. She was highly active in the Lions Club, Gathering of Friends at the Church of the Resurrection, the Women’s Club at St. Mary of the Presentation, the OASIS Ministry for the homeless, the Military Officers Association of America Portsmouth Chapter (PACMOAA).

Peg is survived by her children: Stephen Michael Cicirelli and his wife, Liza; Susan Marie Anderson and her husband, Jason; Jon Edward Cicirelli; Elizabeth Anne Rettenmaier and her husband, Scott Blake; and Katherine Louise Rhoads and her husband, Josh. She was the proud grandmother of Cade and Wyatt Anderson, Edward “Eddie” Cicirelli, Cyrus and Pluto Blake, and Abigail Rhoads. She is also remembered by an extended network of nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Presentation, Suffolk, Virginia, on June 19, 2026 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Coast Guard Foundation in recognition of Peg’s distinguished military career and her support for Coasties in need, or World Central Kitchen in honor of her love of individuals she met in her travels around the world or at home as a frequent host family for visiting students.

Peg and Ray will be interred together at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at a future date.

Peg will be remembered for her sharp intellect, her pioneering spirit, her generous heart, and the indelible trail she blazed for women in the United States military.