Peter J Rots

Rear Admiral Peter J. Rots, USCG (Ret.), passed away on March 27, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, and is survived by his son, David Racz (Sandra); daughter, Susan Miller (Dr. David Miller); grandchildren Vincent Racz (Dana), Katelynn Sprinkle (Tom), Samuel Miller, and Caleb Miller; great-grandchildren Emma Racz and Jack Sprinkle; and his beloved dog, Wilson.

A native of Dormont, PA, he was part of the 1957 graduating class of the United States Coast Guard Academy. He earned a Master of Science degree in 1970 from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University and was also a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His active-duty career spanned over 31 years, including 25 years as an aviator, instrument-qualified in both fixed wing and rotary wing aircrafts. After retiring from the Coast Guard, he worked for Continental Airlines, BF Goodrich Aerospace, and LSG Sky Chefs, fully retiring in 1997.

Upon retirement, Peter and Judy settled in Venice, Florida, alongside two of his Academy classmates. True to his nature, Pete became deeply involved in supporting his daughter and her co-director, Kim Gustely, with Victory Gallop, a nonprofit therapeutic horseback riding program for children with behavioral and emotional challenges. Whether mowing grass, repairing tractors, building additional facilities, or helping with fundraisers, he dedicated himself fully—making monthly trips to Akron to assist at the farm. During these visits, he also served as Accounts Manager of Summit Equine. He and Judy eventually purchased a home in Bath, Ohio.

During his time in Venice, he served as President of his condominium association, was active in Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, mentored high school students at Venice High School, coached the Venice Christian School tennis team, and assisted in his church’s transportation ministry for parishioners in need.

RADM Peter Rots was the recipient of many awards and decorations during his military career. He was most proud of the Air Medal, awarded for his role in the helicopter rescue of 34 miners trapped by an avalanche in the copper mining region of British Columbia. For his community contributions, he was honored as Kiwanian of the Year in 1975.

He was an avid tennis player, a golfer whose game was always a work in progress, and a dedicated Steelers fan. Later in life, he enjoyed the game of pickleball.

He lived a full and accomplished life, made most meaningful by the love he had for his family. His son and daughter, and their families, were his greatest source of pride. He carried a deep passion for life, a steadfast faith, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place FRIDAY, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Victor Catholic Church, 3435 Everett Rd. Richfield, OH 44286. Friends may call from 9:30 AM until the start of Mass. Interment immediately following in Moore’s Chapel Cemetery with full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to Victory Gallop, P.O. Box 551, Bath, OH 44210, or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northern Ohio Chapter, 9700 Rockside Rd., Suite 110, Cleveland, OH 44125.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, OH 44333.