San Antonio business icon Rosemary Kowalski dies at 100

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio business icon Rosemary Kowalski, named the 2025 Texas Cavalier’s River Parade’s grand marshal last week, has died at the age of 100.

Kowalski founded the hospitality and culinary service RK Group as a young woman with her husband as a young couple with no prior experience. This expanded into a successful business that has lasted over 70 years, including a contract with the Henry B. Gonzalez Center.

KSAT spoke with Kowalski when she celebrated her 70th anniversary of service in 2016 at the age of 92.

She told KSAT her favorite experiences include serving Pope John Paul II his meals when he visited the Alamo City in 1987.

“I feel like you can do anything and everything if you work, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ That’s all you need, is those three words,” she told KSAT.

Ceslie Armstrong, CEO of Women in Film & Television Texas and executive producer of The Celestial Awards, released the following statement:

“I’ve known and been inspired by Rosemary Kowalski for decades. I was introduced to her by another original San Antonio trailblazing leader: Mayor Lila Cockrell. Her inspiring leadership as a woman who built a major business that continues to thrive in her image sets the bar high for women everywhere to follow in her footsteps no matter their chosen profession.

“I am so thrilled that Rosemary experienced a rousing standing ovation at The Celestial Awards™ where I serve as executive producer for Women in Film & Television Texas. We named the inaugural award for Excellence in Culinary Arts & Hospitality ‘The Rosemary’ and she told me what a thrill it was to be honored. We have lost a true icon. I’m heartbroken but also happy that her legacy will continue through her charitable giving, leadership ethos, and kindness. May her memory be a blessing.”

Diana Barrios Trevino of Los Barrios Enterprises and Restaurants issued the following statement:

“The beautiful and kind Rosemary Kowalski was a friend to all as was evident in all her philanthropic efforts! I was fortunate to work next to her as we raised money for Hope For The Future as well as Les Dames d’Escoffier! I’m so blessed to have received The Rosemary Award at The Celestial Awards in November.

Chef Andrew Weissman, who presented “The Rosemary” Award for Excellence in Culinary Arts & Hospitality to Diana Barrios Trevino at The Celestial Awards presented by Women in Film & Television Texas, issued the following statement:

“Family, friends and the city at large experienced a tremendous loss today with the passing of Rosemary Kolwaski. Her contributions not only to family and friends but to the culinary world at large was seismic. She will be missed terribly. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.”

The Tobin Center issued the following statement:

“The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rosemary Kowalski, a true pioneer in the catering and hospitality industry. Rosemary was a trailblazer, not only in San Antonio but around the world, and her contributions have left an indelible mark on our community and the many lives she touched.

“For decades, Rosemary’s vision, dedication, and leadership helped shape the hospitality industry, elevating it to new heights. Her work set standards of excellence and inspired countless individuals in the field, many of whom have followed in her footsteps, thanks to the path she laid.

“At the Tobin Center, we honor her legacy and express our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside her. Rosemary’s spirit of innovation, kindness, and commitment to service will forever be remembered.

“We stand with the entire San Antonio community in celebrating her remarkable life and legacy.”

KSAT has reached out to Texas Cavaliers and others who knew Kowalski. This is a developing story, and it will be updated.