Neil Alan Fenske M.D.

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Neil Alan Fenske, a luminary in dermatology, a stalwart in the Tampa Bay community, and the patriarch of his loving family. Dr. Fenske passed away at his daughter’s home with his wife Robyn by his side on October 19, 2024, at 6:20 AM after a courageous battle with leukemia. Born on April 14, 1947, to Dennis and Una (Espeland) Fenske in Blue Earth, Minnesota. He is survived by his devoted wife Robyn Fenske, his daughters Dana Games, Tara Cerelli (Bill) and son Dean Lombardo Fenske and his four amazing grandsons, Nick Cerelli, Chase Games, Blaise Cerelli, and Daniel Cerelli as well as his sisters Pam Baird (Rick), Denise Rosin (Gary) and brother Doug Fenske (Candi) and many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Fenske’s illustrious career was marked by devotion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to medical excellence. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, graduating cum laude from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1969. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine from St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1973. He completed his residency in dermatology at the University of Wisconsin Center for Health Sciences. He was board certified in both dermatology and dermatopathology. Following the lure of the sea and sun he became the founding residency program director at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Division of Dermatology. His deep commitment to academic medicine helped shape the next generation of dermatologists. He trained over 100 residents in dermatology and was highly regarded and respected for his clinical acumen and teaching.

During his illustrious academic career at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine he held many significant roles, including Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology, Professor of Oncologic Sciences, Director of the USF Cosmetic & Laser Center, Founding Chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Senior Member of the Cutaneous Oncology Program and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute.

Dr. Fenske’s expertise spanned the spectrum of dermatologic diseases. He specialized in aging skin and cutaneous oncology, particularly melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. He actively contributed to clinical research, authored more than 200 peer-reviewed articles and over 50 book chapters. He was a frequently invited speaker at conferences worldwide, lecturing more than 375 times. His dedication to advancing dermatologic knowledge made him a sought-after expert and educator. He served as an editorial reviewer for multiple well regarded, peer reviewed journals.

Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Fenske’s professional leadership was unparalleled. He served as President of the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society, Florida Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, Florida West Coast Society of Dermatology, Florida Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, South Central Dermatologic Congress, and Southeastern Dermatological Association. As a committed advocate for patient care, he was instrumental in developing multidisciplinary programs that enhanced patient outcome, particularly in skin cancer and management.

His excellence was widely recognized. He was a recipient of the Practitioner of the Year, Distinguished Service and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Florida Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery and was regularly listed among America’s Top Doctors. He was awarded surgeon of the Year in 2012 by The Florida Society of Dermatologic Surgery. As an active member of numerous dermatologic societies, he forged connections that expanded far beyond the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and Florida.

Dr. Fenske’s accolades include multiple awards from esteemed organizations, including the Distinguished Alumni Citation in Medicine from Gustavus Adolphus College and recognition from the American Academy of Dermatology Leadership Circle, The International Association of Dermatologists, and National Psoriasis Foundation. Dr. Fenske was a recipient of the inaugural Gustavus Adolphus College Sesquicentennial Award recognizing 150 graduates who made a significant impact on the life of the college. Dr. Fenske was a long-time member of Shriners International of Tampa Bay, as well as The Jesters (a spinoff organization of the Shriners). He was a member until his illness required his resignation.

His dedication to education, research, and patient care has left a significant impact on the specialty of dermatology. Colleagues remember him for his exceptional clinical skill, dedication, and mentorship. Dr. Fenske’s passion for research fostered a culture of innovation, and his leadership nurtured a generation of dermatologists who continue his legacy.

Outside his professional life, family always came first. Dr. Fenske was known for his kindness, humor, and love of all things Gasparilla, for which he was a member of Ye Mystic Krewe, E & P where his humor was appreciated and Merry Makers. Dr. Fenske was an ardent supporter of USF athletics. He was an inaugural member of the booster club and a major donor to the Iron Bulls. He was also on the committee that brought football to USF. He was a long-term season ticket holder to the Tampa Bay Bucs and Lighting.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 NOON on Saturday, November 16th in Christ the King Catholic Church 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa FL 33609 followed by a Celebration of Life Reception at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S MacDill Ave Tampa, FL 33609.

Robyn and her family wish to thank Moffitt Cancer Center especially Katherine Hagemann and Michelle Tophkhane.

In honor of Dr. Fenske’s legacy, donations can be made to the Neil Alan Fenske, MD, Founding Chair, Endowed Lectureship in Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of South Florida. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit lives on through the countless lives he touched.