Dr. Jeffrey Backer

Dr. Jeffrey (Jeff) Backer passed away at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida on June 15, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. He was 67 years old.

Jeff's zest for life was apparent to anyone who met him. Whether it was fishing, kayaking or hitting balls at the range, you could always find him outside enjoying all the beauty Florida has to offer. An explorer at heart, Jeff's endless curiosity took him to the far ends of the earth to places like Morocco, Peru, India, Croatia and Turkey with his family. Regardless of where he went, his easy way with people often left them laughing due to his infectious sense of humor.

Jeff was the embodiment of selflessness and dedicated his life to saving the lives of countless others. He was the son of Cuban immigrants and grew up in Miami, Florida. After graduating from Brandeis University and George Washington University Medical School, Jeff returned to Florida to eventually serve as an Emergency Medicine Physician at Orlando Health with a career that spanned over 40 years. Though a cancer diagnosis would have stopped most people in their tracks, Jeff refused to let it define him. He continued to work while battling cancer for a decade, even when sicker than most patients. He refused to stop because, as he put it, "It's in my DNA. It's what I do."

Jeff will be terribly missed by his wife of 39 years, Lindy; their children, Kali Backer of Denver, Jackie Backer of Brooklyn, and Mikki Backer of Orlando, along with his greater Orlando Health family.

Please join us in honoring Jeff's incredible life, impact and legacy on Monday, June 26, 2023 from 2:00 4:00p at Harry P. Leu Gardens (1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803). Dress code is casual. Jeff's attitude towards clothing was "the brighter, the better."

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to Moffitt Cancer Center. Equipped with top research and care experts working side-by-side, Moffitt is uniquely positioned to revolutionize cancer treatments, elevate care and save lives. Moffitt's innovative CAR T-cell treatment gave Jeff eight miraculous years when no other options existed. "This [CAR T] has been a blessing for me," said Jeff in 2017. Your gift will help make their continued breakthrough research possible. Read more.