Elmer Toro

Elmer Toro, 80, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully while in the enduring care of his loving wife, Pilar, on September 22, 2025. Elmer had struggled with dementia for some years, and he and his family are blessed with his peaceful reunion with God.

Elmer was born in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico on January 19, 1945 to Monserrate Sanchez and Geraldo Toro.

Elmer came to New York from Puerto Rico during his grade school years and attended Morris High School in the Bronx. There he met his wife Pilar and they married in 1966. Soon after marriage, Elmer began a long and distinguished career of service to his city in the New York City Police Department (NYPD). While serving in the NYPD, Elmer rose to and earned the rank of Detective Sergeant, culminating that service as the Supervising Confidential Investigator, and Inspector General. Among his noteworthy achievements and assignments was service in the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force, where his efforts were critical in securing our country from hostile threats to local and national security. While serving, he made time to earn both a Bachelor and Master degree from the New York Institute of Technology. Finally, he was appointed by Mayor Rudolph Guiliani to serve as the Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Corrections.

Elmer loved communicating his passion for his career, family, and life with others. Stories about his career and politics were shared with, if not hundreds, thousands of us. He was often found reading the newspaper, watching Fox News, riding his bicycle, and sifting/organizing financial records.

Elmer is survived by his beautiful and successful family who continue his commitment of service to the community and nation. His legacy is Pilar Pagan Toro, his wife, Dr. Elmer Francis Toro, his son, and Elmer Francis' wife Amanda Toro, and her twin sons, Guillermo and Marco, Lt Col (Retired) Heber Francis Toro, his son, and Heber's wife Ana Toro, Maria Del Pilar Fenton, his daughter, and Maria's husband, John Fenton, and Gabriel Francis Toro, his son. His legacy continues with his grandchildren Sofia, John Jr., Alexandria, Abigail, Anabella, and Angelica.

Elmer can be viewed at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 FL-82, Fort Myers, Florida, 33913 on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 9AM - Noon. His funeral mass will follow at the Saint Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, 13031 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida 33905 beginning at 1PM. His burial is scheduled to follow beginning around 2:30PM at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park.

For family and loved ones not able to travel to Florida to celebrate Elmer’s life with us, please join the Funeral Mass via live stream link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpGfCRS83DIUAcgzRUPBJnQ