Death Notice: DR. STEVEN M. CROFT February 20, 2009
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 siblings, 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. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries
Joel Stevens
Death Notice: DR. STEVEN M. CROFT February 20, 2009
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 siblings, 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. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries