Guillermo Leon

Our dear Guillermo was born in Bogotá, Colombia, where he earned his medical degree in 1965. He emigrated to the United States in 1968 and completed his anesthesiology residency at Columbia Hospital in 1973. In 1974 he obtained his board in anesthesiology.

Dr. Leon moved to Tampa in 1976, dedicating 38 years to the anesthesiology department at St. Joseph’s Hospital until his retirement in 2012.

A skilled and compassionate physician, he was deeply respected by colleagues, nurses, and staff. His calm demeanor brought reassurance to patients and coworkers alike, even in the most challenging circumstances. The close-knit friendships he formed during his career endured long after his retirement.

Dr. Leon was a loving and loyal family man. In 1972, while a resident in New York City, he returned to Colombia to marry his beloved wife, Aleyda. Their 54-year marriage was a true partnership, blessed by two children. He is survived by his wife, Aleyda; his son, Alexander Leon; his sister, Cecilia Leon de Ospina; and many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Lorena Leon.

His warmth and charm shone in social gatherings, where his endless repertoire of jokes—often prompted by Aleyda with “the next one”—delighted all. He maintained an active circle of friends through the Latin Medical Association and ASOCOL (the Colombian Association) in Tampa, blending family life with community and extensive world travels.

Above all, his great passion was music. A gifted, largely self-taught musician from the age of seven, his forte was traditional Colombian rhythms. He could play a multitude of instruments, any song by ear, composed several pieces, and arranged and recorded over 200 songs in his home studio. He eagerly shared these CDs, and his soothing compositions were often enjoyed in hospital operating rooms—a testament to how he harmonized his vocation and his avocation.

He was a quietly charitable man, offering help to many in need. In memory of his daughter, he and Aleyda established scholarships at the University of South Florida and in Colombia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church in downtown Tampa on February 5th at 10:00 AM.

Guillermo was special and rare, a true gentle man. His kindness and compassion were both an inspiration and a guiding light. He exemplified how to live a life with grace. He will be remembered and missed.

He seemed to always have time to comfort or guide or laugh with others. Patients, friends, family, strangers – it did not matter who you were.

Guillermo will be deeply missed, but the melody of his life will play on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to USF Foundation in memory of Lorena Leon to the Lorena Leon Endowed Memorial Scholarship (Fund #656015) at the Office of Donor Relations, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, ALC100, Tampa, FL 33620, Attn: Beth Corbin or online at https://giving.usf.edu/online/gift/f/656015/