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The end of 2024 marked the passing of two pillars of the San Antonio community, former Mayor Howard Peak and business and civic titan Rosemary Kowalski who founded The RK Group.
Mayor Peak’s visionary efforts in the 1990s gave rise to San Antonio’s expansive system of public walking and biking trails. As a dedicated member of the Zoning Commission and District 9’s City Council representative, he fought for the preservation of flood zones along Salado Creek, Leon Creek, and the Medina River, transforming them into recreational spaces for our community. Mayor Peak also was a champion for protecting the city’s water resources, and was lauded for gaining approval of a sales tax measure to buy land over the Edward’s Aquifer to protect it.
Rosemary, who turned 100 in 2024, was a trailblazer who started her catering business approximately 80 years ago. Along with her son, Greg, and their 800+ employees, Rosemary built one of the most respected and recognized catering and special event service businesses with 17 divisions across the U.S. and operations in Europe. They have served everyone from everyday San Antonians to world leaders. Rosemary was equally known for her many good works in the community as she served on dozens of nonprofit boards and volunteered for many other organizations. She received countless awards for her business and community leadership throughout her life.
The Chamber extends our heartfelt condolences to the Peak and Kowalski families. Mayor Peak and Rosemary will both be deeply missed, but their legacies will live on for future generations of San Antonians.