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Master Sergeant (retired) Peter “Rocky” Toves, 66, passed away on March 22, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on October 7, 1959, in Fort Riley, Kansas, and was raised in Queens Village, New York, and Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
Rocky was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Liliana; his children, Jasmin and Eric; and his cherished grandchildren, Chloe, Kaeden, and Chance. He also leaves behind his brother, Jessie, and his sisters, Yazmin, Debbie, and Luana, along with his adored French bulldogs, Leia and Yoda. He was preceded in death by his dear mother, Julie; his loving sister, Wendy; and his father, Peter.
Growing up surrounded by the love and guidance of his mother, siblings, and close friends, Rocky spent his early years without a paternal compass. He learned to navigate life on his own terms, making the best of the choices the streets of New York offered. A natural hustler and relentless worker, Rocky never settled for mediocrity.
He discovered a passion for martial arts early in life, which helped instill discipline and structure. His dedication earned him a third-degree black belt—and yes, he believed he was the next Bruce Lee. That passion and legacy continue through his grandchildren today.
Rocky’s love of music led him to become a DJ after high school, long before it was cool. Known as “Funkatron,” he brought energy and a memorable time wherever he went. Forget LL Cool J, Run-DMC, or Q-Tip—Rocky would say it all started with Funkatron.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Rocky’s love for airplanes and desire for a better future inspired him to enlist in 1981. He served for 26 years as an Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Technician, retiring in May 2007. The B-1 bomber was a better aircraft after Rocky got his hands on it. His service allowed him to experience different cultures around the world, broadening his perspective beyond Queens and shaping his deep appreciation for life and country.
Throughout his military career, Rocky built lasting friendships and earned the respect of those around him. He expected excellence from those he led and gave nothing less than his best to those above him. After retiring from the Air Force, he continued serving as a Digital Technical Program Manager with Air Education and Training Command (AETC), retiring again in 2022. His intelligence, work ethic, and determination earned him the admiration of colleagues and peers alike.
Rocky was especially proud of his educational achievements. He earned a Master of Science in Information Technology Management with summa cum laude honors and went on to achieve a PhD in Applied Management and Decision Sciences.
Rocky lived life with passion, energy, and joy. He embraced and celebrated his Puerto Rican and Chamorro heritage through culture, food, music, and traditions. He loved traveling, boxing, martial arts, riding his Harley, and dancing salsa and merengue—often becoming the life of the party wherever he went.
He had a deep passion for helping others, always ready to share wisdom, offer guidance, and uplift those around him. Known for his humor and larger-than-life personality, Rocky was a jokester who could light up any room. He was a determined problem-solver—if he didn’t know how to do something, he would figure it out.
His strength, resilience, and love for life left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He forged a path for generations to come and leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and perseverance.
Rocky will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his infectious laughter, his unwavering love, and the impact he made on so many lives. We will all carry a piece of Rocky in our hearts forever.
He taught us to never settle for mediocrity and that there is “always something better out there”.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00PM - 7:00PM, with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00PM, on Wednesday, April 08, 2026 at Schertz Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30AM on Thursday, April 09, 2026 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Interment, featuring United States Air Force Honors, will follow at 2:30PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to The Wounded Warriors Project.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Schertz Funeral Home & Crematory
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
7:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Schertz Funeral Home & Crematory
Thursday, April 9, 2026
11:30 am - 12:30 pm (Central time)
Good Shepherd Catholic Church
Thursday, April 9, 2026
2:30 - 3:30 pm (Central time)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio
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