Michael Steven Fernandez

Michael Steven Fernandez, MD, of Tampa died in the company of his loving wife on January 28, 2021 of complications from leukemia. Michael was born in Tampa September 12, 1952. Michael is survived by his wife, Suzanne; parents, Emilio and Alice Fernandez; brothers, Kristopher E. Fernandez (Susan) and Eric G. Fernandez (Elena); sister, Alyson Fernandez; his nieces and nephews; Nathan Fernandez (Liz), Eli Fernandez, David Fernandez, Paul Fernandez, Matthew Fernandez, Julie Fernandez, Allen Boulenger, Nichole Boulenger; sister-in-law, Joy A. Boulenger (Gary Lukoski) and brother-in-law, Bo Boulenger (Liz).

Michael was a man of character and integrity, his commitment to the things he stood for endeared him to all who knew him. His good heart, his sense of humor and the helping hand he so often extended to others including the smallest of creatures will always be remembered. Michael was privately spiritual and a Renaissance man with many eclectic interests.

Michael had wonderful memories of his youth and shared many stories about earning his Eagle Scout designation with the God & Country award in Troop 18. Michael followed in his parent’s footsteps and graduated from Hillsborough High School. Upon graduating from Hillsborough High School Michael continued his undergraduate studies at USF. In his third year, he was honored to be chosen as a member of the third class of the University of South Florida Medical School. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Virginia and returned home to Tampa to practice Obstetrics and Gynecology. He was a 40-year member of the Hillsborough County Medical Association. Michael was never too busy to help a family member (he was known as “the family doctor”), friend or patient with a medical question.

Michael loved animals and for years volunteered at a no-kill shelter doing what ever work needed to be done. Many times, he brought home a dog that was not doing well in the shelter environment and it became a beloved member of “his pack”. Reading was his passion. He was always reading at least five books at a time and made the most of his time by reading while walking his dogs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to Maxx & Me Pet Rescue(maxxandme.org) or Shriners Hospitals for Children (shrinershospitalsforchildren.org).