Earl Surwit, M.D., 73, died Sept. 10, 2020.
Earl grew up in Maryland and earned a medical degree from Georgetown University. Earl grew up in Maryland. He graduated from Muhlenberg College and earned a medical degree from Georgetown University. He completed a residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by a fellowship at Duke University. He moved to Tucson in 1979 to join the University of Arizona as a gynecologic oncologist. He quickly fell in love with the Old Pueblo and took advantage of its sunny days to cycle, hike, bushwhack, and rock climb. He lived life at full speed and his enthusiasm was infectious. Earl had great passion for medicine. He served the American Cancer Society, published many papers, was invited to speak around the world, and was devoted to mentoring other doctors. He was a pioneer in laparoscopic surgery and an advocate for holistic care. He cared deeply for his patients and worked to treat the emotional impact of illness, as much as the illness itself. Earl served as board president at the Tucson Jewish Community Center and helped raise funds for the current building. He travelled many times to Israel to collaborate with medical counterparts and to explore a country he loved.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Lee Surwit; three daughters and three sons-in-law, Josh and Kara Cartin, Laura and Adam Magnus, Rachel and Jonathan Teite; and five granddaughters.
Memorial donations may be made to the TJCC or PJ Library (c/o Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona). Arrangements were made by Evergreen Mortuary.
