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Steven Croft Obituary
Dr. Steven M. Croft, 56, passed away Feb. 16 after a courageous and inspiring 17-month battle with brain cancer. He was a gifted and loved physician who improved the quality of life for thousands of patients. Dr. Croft graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Illinois, and was a graduate of Rush Medical College in Chicago. After completing his residency at UCLA Medical Center and a fellowship at Northwestern University, Dr. Croft began in solo practice in Delray Beach in 1982 and formed Arthritis Associates of South Florida with Dr. Phillip
Kallen in 1986. The practice was expanded to Boca Raton, where Dr. Croft served as Chief of Staff for West Boca Medical Center in the late 1980's. He was a prominent figure in Rheumatology, serving as president of the Florida Society of Rheumatology from 2004-2006. Dr. Croft participated in multiple clinical research studies, and was active in political advocacy for coverage of new treatments for rheumatic diseases. He was also philanthropically involved in local, national and international organizations including the Arthritis Foundation, AIPAC, Israel Bonds and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He leaves behind a large and loving family, including his loving wife of 33 years, Joyce; and children, Dr. Lara Croft (Gunnison Carbone), Rachel Croft (Tiffany Falk) and Aron Croft (Joanna Marsh). He is also survived by his cherished mother, Edna Croft Elman; and sib-lings, Genie Croft-Kahn (Jeff), Dan Croft (Debbie) and Mary Croft Mariutto (Don); and by a devoted in-law family, parents, Esther and Nathan Wagner and sisters, Dr. Linda Wagner and Susan Wagner (Michael Lippitz). He is also adored by 13 nieces and nephews. Shiva will be observed after sundown Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22 from 1 to 8 p.m. at the home of Dan & Debbie Croft, 6 Abbey Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 847-634-2997. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Steven's honor be made to the JFMC-Steven Martin Croft Memorial Fund, c/o Arthritis Associates at 5130 Linton Blvd., Suite F-1, Delray Beach, FL 33484, which will support advances in brain tumor research.
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Memories and Condolences
for Steven Croft
Tina Hudson
February 16, 2010
Dear Mrs.Croft & Family,You are all still in my thoughts & prayers on this one year anniversary.Dr.Croft was the most wonderful doctor for 16 years & I was so blessed to have known him.Sincerely,Tina
Joyce Croft
February 14, 2010
Thank you to all who took the time to share your thoughts and feelings about the most amazing human being that was Steven. His legacy will be an inspiration to all who knew him!
Robin Bevard
May 28, 2009
Dear Joyce and Family,
I am truly saddened to hear of that Dr. Croft had passed. I learned because I had just referred a friend to his practice.
I have many fond memories of working together in the early 80's. Dr. Croft supported me through my illness in 2002 even though I was in California and I shall always remember his kindness, skill as a physician, and how you always welcomed me when I visited the office or had an appointment. I send you my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Take care Joyce and I hope our paths cross again.
PS: I kept the "kitty plant" for many years that you gave me as a going away gift. I still have Mango, she's 20 1/2 years young.
suzanne slate
March 4, 2009
Dear Joyce,
I just found out about the passing of Dr. Croft. What an amazing couple you were. You and I have shared the feelings of devastationn when your loved one becomes critically ill. My heart goes out to you and your family. My Dad died the same day as Dr Croft...again our paths have similarities...Be strong, open your heart and you will find the answer to your why...my thoughts and prayers are with you!
Barbara & Alvin Dischler
March 4, 2009
Dear Family,
Our hearts are with you at this time. Steven's was a worthy life cut short much too soon for family and friends.
Cousins Barbara & Alvin
Dorothy Morton
March 3, 2009
To:
Dr. Croft's Family
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your loved ones.
Dr. Croft was a wonderful, caring, gentle
and kind physician.
I always enjoyed listening to his stores
of his children. Joyce, you and the children were his world.
May your memories confort you.
Dorothy Morton
Tina Hudson
February 25, 2009
Dear Mrs Croft & Family, I am so sorry for your devastating loss.I was blessed to have had him for my doctor for 17 years.He gave me hope to get through the most difficult time in my life & I am forever grateful to him for that.At every office visit,no matter how bad I felt,he would walk into the room & I couldn't help but smile when he gave me that warm greeting.When ever I asked him about his children,he beamed with pride & joy.He loved you all so much.The world has lost a wonderful man and my thoughts & prayers are with you and all the great staff at his office at this difficult time.Sincerely,Tina H.
Janet Weinberg
February 22, 2009
Dear Croft and Wagner Families,
I was saddened to hear of Steve's illness and passing. I know that Nate and Esther (whom I have known since I was a little girl) were very fond of their son-in-law. Some of the business models he used to set up Steve's practice were suggested to my husband and I when we set up his practice.
My thoughts are with you all.. .
Sincerely,
Janet Goldman Weinberg ( Bob Goldman's daughter)
Terry Wagner
February 20, 2009
Dear Joyce:I myself would like to express my sympathy & condolences to you and to the rest of the family. If you would like to contact me,talk to Larry.
Curtis Speed
February 20, 2009
I and my family offer condolences on the transition of one of my Rush family members.
Curtis L Speed , MD
Marc Feldstein
February 19, 2009
To the Wagner and Croft families,
The Feldstein (Sorosky) families would like to express our sincere sympathy on the passing of Steven. Although the years and miles separate us, I will never forget the sympathy shown our family when mom died.
Sincerely,
Geri and Marc Feldstein
Joni PALM BEACH
February 19, 2009
Dr.Croft was a great Dr. He cared about you and your aches and pain. But most of all he was a great PERSON !!!! He was my Dr. for over 20 years.He always talked about his family with a big smile on his face,he was so proud of his wife and family. R.I.P. DR. CROFT
Gail Noye
February 18, 2009
Dear Joyce, My deepest sympathy on the passing of Dr.Croft.I will always remember him and his wonderful dedication to help all his patients. He will truly be missed but alway's remembered.
Betsy Goldfarb-Juran
February 18, 2009
Dear Joyce, Lara, Rachel and Aron,
My profound sympathy to you on the passing of your beloved husband and father. May Steve's memory be for a blessing.
Armando Susmano MD
February 17, 2009
Dear Joyce:it is hard to accept the passing of a gifted former student at Rush.Please extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.Armando Susmano MD
Debbie Cohen
February 17, 2009
Dear Joyce and everyone:
Today was truly a dedication to the husband, father, brother and son that Steve was and will always be in your hearts! When you are able I would love to meet you for lunch or dinner and catch up for year's of our lives that we have missed.
Much love and hugs! Debbie Cohen
Larry & Lisa Wagner
February 17, 2009
Dearest Joyce and Family;
Our deepest sympathy to you on
Steve's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult
time
Jean Acevedo
February 17, 2009
Dear Joyce and family,
I was heartbroken to read about Steve's passing today and I cannot imagine how saddened you must be. Keep his memories close to your heart and he will live on forever! He deserves it.
Charles and Norma Miner
February 17, 2009
Dear Joyce and family, we are so saddened in the passing of Dr.Croft. He was a most professional Doctor, taking time to take care of his patients, and if we had to wait a little, we did not mind as we knew he was caring for another patient.
We were one of his first patients when he opened his office in Delray, and loved him as a true friend.
May peace be with his family, knowing that he is enjoying his eternal reward.
Our love and prayers are with you.
Celeste Zullo
February 17, 2009
To the family of Dr. Steven Croft:
It is with care and love that I send my deepest condolences to you.His essence is and always will be undefinable and ever present. He was more than a physician..."he was a gift that never stopped giving". I am honored and thankful to have been his patient for 10yrs. His beautiful energy will continue to live through every life he has uniquely touched.The endless devotion he gave to his patients and the medical field is and always will be a book of unending and irreplaceable examples for all to follow. He was a "beacon of hope"in my life when there was none to find, which will forever remain a source of strength for me to live on.
Sincerely,
Celeste M.Zullo
Wellington,Florida
.
Caryn Chemers
February 17, 2009
Dear Croft Family, as I remember my times with your family please accept my sincere condolences during this difficult time. May the love of your family and friends, including me, help grant you some peace. I love you all, Caryn
Deborah Delgado
February 17, 2009
Dearest Family,
I just wanted to express to you how much I appreciate and value the honor as having such a loving and caring physician. His gentle and kind ways will never be forgotten. I am truly blessed and a better person for having had the priviledge of having known such a wonderful man. I wish you much comfort and peace love and prayers.
Debbie Delgado
Jennifer Maquez
February 17, 2009
To Dr. Croft's Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jennifer Maquez
February 17, 2009
To Dr. Croft's Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort.
Adele Konyk
February 17, 2009
Dear Joyce & family,
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family at this time of great sorrow and loss. Dr. Croft was "the man with the golden hands". He was a physician for myself, my husband, my mom, sister in law and brother in law for more than 20 years and he will terribly missed.
We were truly blessed to have had him with us and he to be one of the first to leave this world for a better place.
Sympathetically,
The Konyk family
Marsha Felder
February 17, 2009
Dearest Joyce and family
Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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