Murray Herman Berkowitz

Murray Berkowitz, 91, brought international fashion to San Antonio. For over 40 years, Berkowitz was an executive at Frost Bros, South Texas's long-time fashion specialty department store chain. He eventually rose to Vice-Chairman, retiring in 1984. During that time, he was an ambassador of luxury products and sophistication, introducing South Texans to a world of refinement and elegance.

Mr. Berkowitz passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 15, 2007in San Antonio. He was the youngest of eight children born to Antoinette and Harry Berkowitz in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. At age seventeen, he moved west to San Antonio, to live with his brother, Sydney.

In 1940, with war imminent in Europe, he enlisted in the Air Corps and served from 1941 to 1945, ultimately achieving the rank of Major. He was appointed Commanding Officer of the Hq. and Hq. Squadron of the 59th Air Depot, directing 300 officers and 2500 enlisted personnel.

Following his armed service, Mr. Berkowitz joined his brother at Frost Bros. In February 1948, he met Dorothy Obermeyer, and the two were married less than a month later.

For the next 40 years, he acted in various and diverse roles there, and in 1957, he began purchasing directly from Europe and Asia, traveling around the world frequently, in search of the best items each culture had to offer. Mr. Berkowitz spent ten years as President, from 1970 to 1980, during which time the organization experienced unparalleled growth, expanding from three stores to fifteen.

He was actively involved in San Antonio arts and society, beginning with acting at the San Antonio Little Theatre in the 1930's. Mr. Berkowitz frequently entertained world famous designers, artists and performers who visited to promote business at Frost's. As a result, he developed many long lasting friendships with notable figures throughout the world. He loved to entertain and had a keen sense of humor. An innocent question from a child was an opportunity to spin a fantastic yarn. He loved to laugh, and for those around him to laugh as well.especially children.

Murray valued family, integrity and compassion and was in many ways a renaissance man, always open to new ideas and had a passionate desire to live life to its' fullest. He was such a voracious reader that whenever any loved one visited, they left with an armload of books.

He will be missed all the time, but especially at family gatherings, where his joy shined so brightly. The positive impact he left on so many will be felt for generations to come and in that, he will live forever.

Mr. Berkowitz is predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, in 1984 and all seven of his siblings. He is survived by his five children and their partners, Susan Berkowitz Brenner and Mark Snyder of Los Angeles, David Berkowitz of San Antonio, Tony and Joanne Berkowitz of Cabo San Lucas, Mickey and Lynda Berkowitz of Stamford, CT. and Elizabeth Berkowitz Blatt and Jeffrey Blatt of Austin. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Justin, Sydney Berkowitz, Elena Berkowitz, Michael Brenner, Andrew, Eliot Blatt. and Cole Berkowitz