Dr. Alexander Stevens Rosemurgy II

Growing up in Escanaba, Alex excelled both academically and athletically. He proudly played football and basketball at Escanaba High School — a testament to his dedication and skill — which later led to his induction into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. It was during these formative years that he met Kathy Boyle, a fellow student who would become the love of his life. He graduated in 1971, leaving behind a legacy of teamwork and sportsmanship and carrying with him the beginnings of a lifelong romance.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to serve, Alex pursued higher education with unwavering focus. He attended the University of Wisconsin, where he was inducted into the Iron Cross Society — an honor reserved for the top students of the senior class. He continued on to the University of Michigan Medical School, then completed his surgical residency at the University of Chicago, spending several formative years studying intestinal physiology.

On June 16, 1979, Alex married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Boyle. Their bond was a source of immense joy and strength throughout his life. He often said that marrying Kathy was the best decision he ever made.

In 1984, Tampa became their adopted home. There, Dr. Rosemurgy flourished at the University of South Florida (USF) and Tampa General Hospital. Over his distinguished career, he held numerous prestigious roles, including Professor of Surgery, Professor of Medicine, and Associate Dean for Academic Enrichment. He was also the proud recipient of the Reeves/Culverhouse Endowed Chair in Digestive Disorders.

More important than any title, Alex was a healer. He saved countless lives and extended many more, always approaching each patient with skill, care, and compassion. His mastery in surgery, particularly in the treatment of digestive disorders and pancreatic cancer, was unmatched. A pioneer in his field, he embraced robotic surgery and built one of the nation’s most respected programs for robotic liver and pancreatic procedures. Over the course of his career, he performed tens of thousands of operations, offering hope where it was often in short supply.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Rosemurgy was a passionate educator and mentor. He trained generations of surgical residents — many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers of their own — and led research programs that introduced countless students to the field of medicine. His commitment to advancing knowledge lives on through the more than 400 academic papers he authored.

Dr. Rosemurgy’s legacy in medicine will echo for generations through the hands of those he trained, the research he contributed, and, most importantly, the patients whose lives he touched. Yet, his greatest joy was not found in accolades or achievements — it was in the life he shared with Kathy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Rosemurgy; his children, Percy Rosemurgy (Fatima), Stephanie More (Copeland), Elizabeth Wood (Robert), and Carolyn McKinley (Max); his siblings, Bob Rosemurgy, Jim Rosemurgy, Cilla Harris, and Patty Juul; and his cherished grandchildren, Lillian More, Margaret More, R.J. Wood, Annabelle Wood, Andrew McKinley, Maia Rosemurgy, Rashida Rosemurgy, and Matthew McKinley. He is also remembered fondly by a host of relatives, friends, colleagues, and patients who will forever miss his brilliance, dedication, gentle spirit, and boundless love for his family.

A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Alexander S. Rosemurgy’s life will be held at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church (3501 W. San Jose St., Tampa, FL 33629) on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 4 p.m., with a reception to follow at The Hyde House (1646 W. Snow Ave., Tampa, FL 33606). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a collection be made and donated in his name to the Escanaba High School Athletic Department. Checks can be sent to Percy Rosemurgy at 3311 Cheviot Dr, Tampa, FL 33618 and made out to Percy Rosemurgy or sent via Venmo to @Percy-Rosemurgy.