Robert Paul Kowal

1942 - 2025

Robert Paul Kowal
Robert P. Kowal (Bob) passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, at the age of 83 in Sonoma, California, his home of the past 26 years. He was born on January 12, 1942, to Helen Demerski Kowal and Andrew Kowal in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Bob earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut in 1963 and a Master's in Health Administration from George Washington University in 1966.
Shortly after graduate school, at the age of 23, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Guam during the Vietnam War, where he worked at a military hospital. The experience shaped his lifelong dedication to serving others and led to a distinguished career in healthcare administration.
Over the decades-from the University of Chicago to West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, and later as CEO of Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), he cultivated a close-knit leadership team that led to lifelong friendships grounded in loyalty, respect, and a shared commitment to service. During his 15-year tenure at GBMC, the hospital became a model for how community institutions could deliver advanced, innovative care. As GBMC's Board Chair said, "He turned an institution, which was stumbling at the time, into the premier community hospital in the state."
Bob was previously married to Mary McGuinness, with whom they shared three children. Later in life, Bob met Mark Sipes, his loving partner of 33 years. Bob is survived by his partner, Mark, his brother, Andrew Kowal, his children, Spencer Kowal, Sarah Kowal Wernikoff and Rachel Kowal Pedersen, along with his ten grandchildren, Samantha, Karli, Avery, Hayden, Dylan, Henry, Tate, James, Isabel and Eric.
In 1999, Bob and his partner, Mark, moved from Baltimore to Sonoma, California, where they bought and restored the historic Inn at Cedar Mansion. But even after stepping away from his professional career, Bob was drawn back to his commitment to service before self. He went on to serve as CEO of Sonoma Valley Hospital and held board positions with Hospice by the Bay in Marin, the La Luz Center in Sonoma, and the Sonoma Community Center.
Anyone who knew Bob knew the moment he walked into a room-his energy was infectious, his presence impossible to miss. He was the guy holding court at the head of the table, making people laugh, telling the best stories, and making sure your plate was full. A powerhouse in his career, yes-but at home, he was a devoted partner, father and grandfather, who loved nothing more than a full house, a long meal, and spirited conversation.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 24, at 10:30 AM at St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, in Sonoma, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's honor to the Sonoma Community Center.