Alexander P. Robertson III MD

Date of Passing:

May 24, 2023

Alexander P. Robertson III, MD, 54, of Barrington, RI passed away on May 24, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, Providence after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was the beloved husband of Michelle (DeRoche) Robertson and proud father of three cherished daughters, Anna S. Robertson of Mashpee, MA, Hope K. Robertson of Boston, MA, and Katherine T. Robertson of Barrington, RI.

Alex was born December 1, 1968 in Albany, NY, the son of Prudence (Prescott) Robertson of Vero Beach, FL and Dublin, NH and the late Russell W. Robertson, MD. He is also survived by his two sisters, Katherine R. Tarrant of Darien, CT, and Elizabeth R. Sheehan (and husband William) of Fairfield, CT, as well as three nieces, Lily P. Tarrant, Louise P. Sheehan, Katherine M. Sheehan, and nephew, Russell R. Tarrant. In addition to the unconditional love and support from his family, Alex was supported by many close and compassionate friends throughout his illness.

Alex spent his childhood in West Hartford, CT where he was introduced to the medical field at an early age by his father, Russell, who was an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon at Hartford Hospital. Alex shared his father’s passion for healthcare and chose to care for those in need above all else. Alex attended high school at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT, where he excelled academically and athletically, graduating Cum Laude in 1987, serving as a member of the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams and as a nationally ranked squash player. Following high school, he completed his undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, graduating in 1991, where he played varsity lacrosse and squash, was a member of the Chi Herot fraternity, and graduated Cum Laude. Before entering medical school, he spent a year working on the ski slopes in Telluride, CO.

Alex earned his medical degree at the University of Virginia in 1997 before completing his residency and Trauma Fellowship in orthopedic surgery at Brown University in Providence, RI in 2002. He furthered his medical training at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, where he completed a fellowship in Spine.

Alex joined University Orthopedics in 2004 as an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon. He was the recipient of the 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University Department of Orthopedics. He also won the award in 2015; this recognition underscores his exceptional dedication to teaching and mentorship. He was a beloved and attentive doctor and took great pride in trying to restore a better quality of life to all of his patients.

In spite of all of his medical success, he was most proud of his three daughters. A devoted father, he was always there for his girls, coaching them all in numerous sports over the years and attending every one of their events and games. He was also a loving son and brother who cherished family traditions such as the annual Robertson Thanksgiving soccer tournament.

He was adventurous and had a deep love of the outdoors. As a young boy he traveled all over the world with his father, while developing a passion for fishing. In addition, he enjoyed skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking especially with his wife Michelle and beloved dogs, Clyde and Dublin. He also enjoyed all racquet sports including tennis, paddle tennis and squash.
It is with profound gratitude that the family would like to thank the staff at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice for their care and compassion.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Barrington Congregational Church, 461 County Road, Barrington on Thursday June 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Calling hours and flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Alex’s memory to the Special Olympics (https://support.specialolympics.org) and the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) https://give.abta.org/give/261975/#!/donation/checkout(ABTA) 8550 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Ste 550 Chicago, IL 60631 would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences please visit www.wrwatsonfuneralhome.com (http://www.wrwatsonfuneralhome.com/)

Online Condolences

61 Comments

  1. My sincere condolences. He was a great friend and colleague.

  2. he was the best orthopedic doctor i had that operated on me he will be missed very much by the university group and me cory matera

  3. I’m so saddened to find this out a Dr. Robertson fixed my neck and spine in 2021, and i mean fixed , I thought I was developing an neurology disorder. He took the extra time to listen to me, and watch my walk, to see I have more going on. We made a plan , and went to surgery this beautiful kind man called my other half to apologize because he found more issues and went in to fix them as well. Thank you doc for giving the gift of being able to play with my son and walk to this day. My deepest condolences to all who knew him.

  4. Dear Prue, Bob and I are so sad to learn of Alex’s death. Our memories of him as a boy are vivid: his skills on the athletic field especially in lacrosse coached by his Dad [ and our son Michael was a part of it ]. Like his Dad, he helped so many people and will be remembered for his kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Best wishes, Frankie Goldfarb

  5. Dr Robertson operated on me a few years ago and he gave me my life back. I had been in pain for so long. He was so compassionate and skilled. The best doctor I have ever met. I am so sorry. His passing is a great loss to humanity. My heart breaks for his family. I am very touched and saddened. May he rest in peace in heaven🙏🏽💜

  6. My condolences to the Robertson family. Dr Alex operated on me twice. I am grateful for having met an awesome , kind , genuine and loving man. Thank you Jesus for a beautiful child of God. Rest in Eternal Life Alex.

  7. Please accept my condolences. Dr. Robertson was a force on the lacrosse scene and was a great man for our community. I got to know Dr. Robertson while serving on the School Committee in Barrington. He campaigned tirelessly for turf fields and improved field maintenance for all Barrington residents. My daughter is now a 7th-grade lacrosse player in Barrington and I know we owe much to Dr. Robertson and his family for tirelessly pressing for more and better opportunities for girls lacrosse in town. He will be missed but never forgotten.

  8. A best friend. This guy made me laugh every day I was with him. What an athlete. We nicknamed him the Spider Monkey for his quickness and agility on the paddle courts. Going to miss his smile, his laughs, and his focus and intensity at life. Love you buddy. RIP

  9. My deepest condolences to the Robertson,s family. May the precious memories help you through this difficulty time. Dr. Robertson was my doctor and he will be greatly missed. May the Lord our God be with you all and give you comfort today and days to come. Heaven has gained an angel Rest in Peace Dr. Robertson.

  10. Dear Michelle: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time. Please accept our deepest condolences.

  11. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Robertson. What a brilliant and compassionate Dr. he was. He performed surgery on my husband, Kevin, my sister Cheryl and my nephew, Jeffrey, and I also went to him for my back issues. Such a profound loss to his family, friends and the medical community. With deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow physicians.
    Janice McCarthy

  12. Dr. Robertson, your legacy can be seen on your patients who walk this earth without pain. It was the skill of your hands, you used to heal these patients. I was personally fortunate to have had the honor of working with you, and I’m proud to have known you. All I can say, is may Our Lord grant you peace and health in His Eternal Kingdom.

  13. It is with profound sadness that I learned of Dr. Robertson’s death. I saw him many times for back issues as well as performed spine surgery on me. He was compassionate and brilliant. I will never forget him. This is such a tremendous loss for his family, his patients, and his colleagues.

  14. To Dr. Robertson’s family, I send my deepest sympathies. He was a great man and a fantastic surgeon. I will be forever grateful to him for helping me return to a normal and pain-free life. I will never forget the fight he had to help every one of his patients and I know his colleagues will continue this fight in his memory to help as many people as they can. He will be missed and remembered by all the lives he touched.

  15. Dr. Robertson was not only an exceptional surgeon but a caring, compassionate man. After my surgery he took the time to sit with my husband and explain what he did and what should follow. Even though it was a routine procedure, he knew for us it wasn’t. All of us who had the privilege of being his patient were truly blessed.

  16. What a shock to hear of Dr. Robertson’s passing at such a young age! I first saw him 13 years ago for a spine problem. He did not push surgery and he wisely told me to wait for more definite symptoms. Then ten years later he did a spinal fusion on my lower back, with a wonderful outcome. His calm manner always put me at ease. He led a balanced life and helped many people with his expertise. He will be greatly missed.

  17. What a loss! My heartfelt condolences to the family. Dr Robertson gave me back my life and freed me from constant pain in December of 2010. In addition to his exceptional skills as a surgeon, he was warm and always caring. He was not only an exceptional surgeon, healer but was an exceptional human being. He is and will be missed by so many. My prayers for comfort for his wife and 3 daughters.

  18. My condolences go out to the entire Robertson family most especially his wife and daughters. He was so proud of his daughters. I would also like to extend my sympathy to his PA, Jennifer and his staff, most especially Stacy whom I spoke to many times over the 13 plus years that I was a patient of Dr. Robertson. He was kind, compassionate, soft spoken and patient. He always took the time to listen, answer all your questions and reassure you. I had total trust in him as a surgeon. He gave me back my quality of life when he performed a spinal fusion on my lower back. I most recently saw him this past fall and I left concerned about his health after I saw him. Despite being ill, he was still the same patient and kind doctor he always was. I will always be grateful to him and he will be missed by all who loved him and all of his patients like myself who benefited from his excellent skills as a surgeon. I was so saddened when i received the letter on Friday. RIP Dr. Robertson.

  19. Dearest Michelle: My heart is broken for you as I just learned the sad news. After meeting Alex and seeing first hand what a beautiful couple you are I understood immediately why you were beyond happy! Two such kind, caring, smart and compassionate people finding each other is extraordinary… but you are two extraordinary people.
    Although your time together was far too short, you shared something many never find in a lifetime.
    To your families I send my thoughts. To you my friend I’m here for whatever you need.
    May Alex’s Memory Be Eternal xo

  20. To the Robertson family,
    Dr. Robertson was my mother‘s surgeon in 2013. He was an outstanding and compassionate doctor and I will never forget how kind he was to my mother. He performed emergency surgery on my mother and I was so grateful he was available on a Sunday morning to perform the surgery. After 10 years, Dr. Robertson’s treatment, demeanor and competency were unforgettable. I wish your family my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of such an outstanding man and doctor.

  21. So very sorry to hear of the tragic passing of Alex. We were neighbors of his mom & dad in West Hartford. Only met Alex & his family once or twice. But remember him as an outstanding young man. Such a loss to many – seems the good die too young 🙏
    With great sympathy to his family & Prue
    Nancy & Phil Cahill

  22. He was my doctor.
    I send my sympathy to Dr. Robertson’s family, to his staff and his Physician Assistant Jennifer Pinhanco.
    Truly a heartbreaking loss to lose him at such an early age.
    RIP.
    Joanne J. Rongo

  23. Please accept my deepest condolences for the passing of Alex. My husband, Douglas Dame, worked with Alex before he passed and only had great things to say about Alex every time he came home. May he rest in peace.

  24. My deepest sympathy to Dr Robertson’s family, extended family friends and colleagues .It was very sad to get the news of losing such a kind,caring empathetic Dr. In my case he was the only Dr who understood his patients pain and actually acknowledged it .As you maneuver the blur of days ahead of you know he will always be with you … 🕊️

  25. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Robertson in the operating room as his X-ray tech. We had a great friendship & he always talked about his family. I’m going to miss him dearly. My condolences to his family & friends.

  26. It is with great sadness that I have learned that our doctor has passed. He was a very good man and a great doctor. My daughter, and I will miss him very much. He treated both of us for years . Our condolences to his family .

  27. Dr Robertson treated me for 3 years, eventually operating on me for major spinal surgery. At 78 he gave me my quality of life back so I could life the rest of my life pain free, old age aches notwithstanding. He was an exceptional surgeon and concerned with the wellbeing of each of his patients. He will be greatly missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family. We even had a silly sock competition going as well.

  28. I was so shocked to hear of Dr. Robertsons death. He was my doctor for a number of years when I had back issues and performed 2 back surgeries. He was such a good listener at appointments and was soft spoken and kind. He was very proud of his three girls and all their accomplishments. I saw him last fall and was surprised to learn that he was Ill. I am so sorry for your family’s loss and hope that time and good memories will help with the healing. Thinking about you all and thankful that Dr. Robertson was able to help me with my physical struggles.

  29. I’m so sorry for your loss! My condolences go out to the Robertson family! My thoughts and prayers are with you!

  30. My condolences to his wife and daughters. I so saddened to receive in the mail of his passing. I went to him When University Orthopedics had had business on the Butler grounds. I hadn’t see until last year. I think I seen him during the summer until November. He was a wonderful and very knowledgable MD. He will truly be missed. My condolences to University Orthopedics and staff.

  31. I am so sad to hear of Dr. Robertson passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
    I have been his patient for four and a half years. He will be missed.

  32. It is with much sadness that I learned today of Dr. Robertson’s passing.

    Dr. Robertson treated my sister, my 99 year old mother who now walks with no pain and until his illness me as well. He was such a caring doctor who made you feel so comfortable always taking the time to listen, never rushing the appointment. He will truly be missed by all.

    My sincere condolences to his family, friends and co-workers.

    May he rest in peace.

    Corinne Hogan

  33. My sincerest condolences to Dr. Robertson’s family, friends, colleagues and patients. I am so saddened by the news of his passing. He was a kind, caring, knowledgable physician, and a gifted surgeon. He performed spinal surgery that relieved chronic pain in my neck and upper extremities.
    He will be greatly missed. Rest in eternal peace.

  34. Dr Robertson will be missed by me and my 97 year old mom who was his patient. He was incredibly kind and patient with her. We are saddened by his passing and would like to express our sincerest condolences to his family.

  35. To the Robertson family, my wife and I give our deepest condolences for your loss. Dr. Robertson guided me through spine surgery with such care and professionalism. I will forever be grateful.

  36. Michelle my heart goes out to you and your family. I see that one of your daughters lives in Mashpee. I’m in Falmouth, if there is anything I can do, I’m here!! Love, Meri Gilson

  37. Our Deepest Condolences to your family thank you for you care and compassion in taking car of my wife Nancy you were wonderful ! A wonderful Doctor you will be missed.

  38. Sending my love and condolences to all family, friends, colleagues and loved ones of Dr. Roberston. He was my surgeon in the midst of the pandemic in 2020. His bedside manner was unmatched and I owe him all the gratitude in the world for returning a sense of normalcy to my life. May you be resting in peace Dr.

  39. Michelle,
    I am so sorry for your loss.
    Though I never met Alex, all that I have read has told me what an amazing husband, father, son, friend, associate he has been to so many people.
    My condolences to you and and all of your families.
    He did so much good in life and left too soon.
    RIP

  40. To Alex’s Family:
    I met Alex a few years ago and immediately became friends. He was a loving, caring, compassionate man. I will miss him. I want to send my condolences and prayers to Alex’s family. May he rest in peace.

  41. Alex was my surgeon and took great care of me. He loved that I gave him my Wall Street journal. As a past lifespan board member I had plenty of doctors to choose but he stood out as a caring smart physician. He loved his family and his fellow doctors and associates. My heart goes out to the family and the university orthopedics organization. We lost a great man. God bless.

  42. Dr. Robertson was a fantastic doctor. He was extremely caring and supportive. Whenever he had to give me news about the progression of my injuries, he would do it with a combination of humor and kindness that made the news not as traumatic. You will be greatly missed Dr. Robertson.
    Condolences to your family R.I.P.

  43. UOI Has lost a great surgeon as well as human being. My thoughts and prayers are with Michelle and the rest of his family.

  44. To Dr. Robertson’s family, please accept my sincere condolences.

    Dr. Robertson was an amazing physician and I was lucky enough to be a patient of his.

    My prayers are with you and his colleagues at University Orthopedics

  45. Our office and patients are deeply saddened to hear of Dr Robertson’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences.
    Dr Lynn Sommerville and staff

  46. Alex was a great guy, and surgeon, who we picked on unmercifully in the OR, he rose to the challenge and became the man he was. It was my privilege to have worked with him in his early years and I am saddened at his way too early passing 😢
    My heartfelt condolences to his family

  47. Dr. Robertson was a very nice person. I had the honor to work for him while being employed at UOI and sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family, friends and co workers at UOI. May he rest in peace.

  48. What a tremendous loss. Dr. Robertson treated many of my clients with competence and compassion… a formidable combination. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to his family..

  49. I cannot believe this is real. He was one of my very favorites during my time at UOI. Amazing human who will be greatly missed in this world. My sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace

  50. Dr. Robertson was the most personable doctor I’ve ever met. He took the time to listen, explain things and speak with me in a down to earth way that was truly special. He was truly a caring professional. I am saddened to hear of his passing.

  51. Alex was one of the best surgeons I ever had the privilege of working with. He operated on my son and I can’t thank him enough for his expertise and compassion. It was always great to talk tennis with him at Miriam. I’m sorry I’ll be away for his service please except my condolences to his family he will be missed.

  52. I’m so very sorry for the loss! So many amazing achievements in such a short time. I’ve heard so many great things about this man!
    Sincere condolences to the whole family!

  53. I am so very sorry for your loss . Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time. 🙏

    The Miriam Hospital Rehab Department

  54. So sorry for your loss.Doc Robertson was my doc for many years and only trusted him with my back surgeries. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be walking so so sorry to hear this.Rip Doc Robertson
    David Gannon

  55. I am so sad to read of Dr. Robertson’s passing. He was a wonderful doctor and a compassionate man. My condolences to all who knew and loved him.

  56. Our relationship with the Robertson family began in 1977 when we moved to West Hartford and Russ and Pru were among the first couples to welcome and help introduce us to the community. Alex and our daughter Jennifer were the same age so we were delighted when he and his family moved next door to us in Barrington. A few years later we retired in Vero Beach Florida and Alex’s parents coincidentally also moved into our neighborhood there.

    We did our best to echo his parents gestures to us many years before although the ‘young Robertsons ‘ didn’t need much help
    as they quickly quickly wove themselves into our community.

    He was a force in helping his generation make Barrington an even more special place to live and he will be missed by so many of our community. Our hearts go out to the girls and Michelle in this difficult and most untimely point in their lives.

  57. Robertson Family,
    I am so very sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences to your family. I remember how much he loved watching the unified basketball games at BHS and BMS. He will be greatly missed! May he rest in peace

  58. Dr. Robertson was my surgeon for several surgeries and always got me up and running full speed. I worked with him at the Miriam Hospital as well . He was a wonderful human being loved by many and will be missed by many

  59. To the Robertson family,

    The doctor performed my spine surgery in 2019. I could not have asked for a more professional and caring physician.

    Please accept my sincere condolences and may precious memories help you through many difficult days ahead.

  60. Alex was my classmate and teammate at Loomis back in 1987. As my captain he led with humor, grace and confidence. As my friend he was even better. I will miss Alex and am saddened to hear the news.

  61. To Dr. Robertson’s wife and daughters. Please accept my condolences. Dr. Robertson was so much more than a great doctor he was also a good man, a caring friend, and a kind and gentle spirit. He did so much more than healed you when you visited him. He told me many years ago that I was one of his favorite patients and whether he truly meant it or not didn’t matter, he said it and he was always truthful with me, so I believed him. I visited him more times than I could count so we did get to know each other. We always took a few minutes to talk about family and one thing he was great at was listening. As for his girls, please know that he would speak so affectionately about you all. I could tell he truly loved you all so much. That is the definition of a great man!

    As for his colleagues and all the staff at University Orthopedic I offer my condolences to you as well. You have lost not only a cornerstone at University Orthopedic but also I am sure a friend to many of you. You are all educated men and woman, may you all have learned by his example and continue his legacy for years to come.

    Michael McLynch, Sr.

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