Craig Brian Hoffman

Sep 16, 1944 - Oct 12, 2026

Craig was born in South Bend, Indiana September 16, 1944, to the late Reuben and Sara Lillian Hoffman. Craig was a 1963 graduate of John Adams High School and Indiana University, Bloomington. He attended Indiana University Medical School in Indianapolis. During his internship he joined the Ohio and Florida National Guard where he served for seven years, being discharged with the rank of Captain in the Army.

Craig met his wife, Linda, as teenagers, and they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage and created a fabulous life together. They arrived in Manatee County in 1973 where there was a need and welcoming town for Craig to open his own medical practice in Palmetto. Their home was always open to friends and family. Together, they raised three sons, Phil (Shari) from Henderson, NV, Larry (Susana) from Marietta, GA and Ryan from Bradenton, FL.

Craig was among the first Board Certified Family Physicians in 1973 after completing his internship and residency at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Always pursuing more education and always reading medical journals, Craig became a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice. He practiced at Manatee Hospital for 35 years and was Chairman of the Credentials Committee. Among other honors, Craig received the Physician Recognition Award, Active Teacher of Family Physicians (American Academy of Family Physicians), Life Member of American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Ambulatory Care, American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine, Florida Medical Association, A Physician Who Cares, Clinical preceptorship and Distinguished Physician Florida Medical Association. Craig earned a Lifetime Honory Member of The Florida Medical Association in recognition for 35 years of dedicated active membership and devoted Service to patients in his practice. Craig was co-founder of the Family Health Center in Palmetto, FL and founder of Healthcare America in Bradenton, FL. He loved what he did to serve and help his patients and their families for several decades. He was disappointed in the changes in medicine and finally retired in 2007. Craig‘s claim to fame among many healthcare professionals was being interested in others and making a challenging diagnosis.

Another proud achievement for Craig was inspiring others and creating Temple Beth El in Bradenton, FL, where he became a founding member and its first president. His achievements were not done for recognition. He strived to be the best for the sake of being better qualified to serve others as health professional and friend.

Also, Craig was truly a devoted car enthusiast. He loved driving and showing his 1956 Chevy Bel- Aire convertible and loved meeting people with similar interest.

Craig will be missed by his family: Sister, Sheila Hatt; Brother, Lee (Christine); Brother-in-law, Frank Samson (Audrey); and Sister-in-law, Marla Stanley, friends and grandchildren: Alexandra Ward (Dylan), Hannah, Maddie, Asher, Willow, Sydney Weiss (Alex Sabin); great grandchild, Alice Mae; cousins; and many nieces and nephews.

Contributions made in Craig‘s memory are appreciated to: Temple Beth El Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch, 5250 Peridia Blvd. E., Bradenton, FL 34203 Manatee Performing Arts Center: 502 3rd Ave. W. Bradenton, FL Jewish Family and Children Services, 2688 Fruitville Rd. Sarasota, FL 34237

Source: Legacy.com

10/14/2026 EJS

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