To Tricia Law Stiles and her children, grandchildren and families. My sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you all for your loss of dear Brad Stiles. I went to school with Brad and Tricia since Middle school and graduated with them in Smithtown, NY in 1975. He was a dear friend and classmate. I have wonderful memories of his cheerful personality, his intelligence and his love of music. I have thought about him all these years and have wondered how his life might be. I always hoped I would possibly see him again some day because he made such a fun, caring and comfortable impression on me. I am sad and heartbroken to hear about Brads passing. Even though he has passed on a few years ago and I only found out this news now in 2023, because I have kept in touch with his Sister-In-Law Donna Stiles, it feels like not that long ago we were laughing in class or playing baseball at the park across the street from Millers Pond. After reading the condolences and memories I am joyful to hear that Brad had a good life, a loving Wife, children, Grandchildren, and many good friends and happy patients. I am very proud of Brads success, humanitarianism's and accomplishments. May Tricia, her children and family’s hearts heal and May Brad Rest In Peace. Blessings and Peace to you all. From long ago friends, Peace and love, Susanne Oxild and Ginny Cotes.

I was so terribly sad to hear about Dr. Stiles. He was my family's dentist from the time I was tiny, and I never understood why people were so scared of going to the dentist. My dentist was great! I vividly remember his tie dye scrubs, the way he could be both silly and calming, the Looney Tunes pictures on the wall, and of course that treasure box of toys!

Dr. Stiles went above and beyond for my family during our own crisis when we lost my dad and, along with him, our health insurance. He gave my sister wonderful care around the holidays when he certainly wasn't obligated to, and I will always, always be grateful for the kindness he showed.

Dr. Stiles made a real impact on me for only having known him as my dentist, and we are all missing out now that he's not around. I'm sending all my love to his family and friends.

I am shocked and deeply saddened to know about the demise of Brad. Brad is my godfather and will always be in my heart forever. What a Humanitarian!

I was a sponsor child of the Stiles family via Christian Children’s Fund (CCF) for so long – almost 18 years. The Stiles family actually sponsored my education completely from primary school to high school and up to college level. I am a Gambian and joined the Stiles in May 2002 where I was always treated like their own child. Brad was kind and a true “father” who treated me so well, easy going and easy to talk to. During weekends we used to visit his property around Marengo and always made me feel comfortable. What a Generous man!

Brad was very kind, compassionate and he gave me valuable advice particularly towards my education. Honestly he was willing to do everything towards my education. Without Stiles I would not have achieved the level of my education because they formed that bedrock. He was my mentor whose inspiration encouraged me to achieve a lot in life and hence I owe him everything. He made positive differences in my life for good. What a loss!

My prayers go to Tricia, Jade and Brendan during this difficult time.

Yaya Jatta

Wanted to send Brad Stiles' family friends, and staff, my thoughts in their sad times. I've been a patient for many years... from 'that little place downtown" on in time. When ever I saw Brad.... in the office or out in the community, he always made me smile and acknowledged me in a way that was personal, warm and professional. Simply stated.... I trusted him. And liked him; he was fun and funny, and had a wonderful collection of music to listen to when I was in his office! (music to drill by!). I was shocked and saddened by his death and can only imagine the pain of those of you that really knew him deeply. God bless you all in your healing.

Oh Tricia - I am shocked and saddened to see this. Brad was the best of people - everyone in our class loved his sense of humor, his "New York" attitude, his ever ready smile. I am not surprised to read of the great legacy he left - his heart was always in the right place and what a big heart it was. Hugs and condolences to you and your family. I know he will leave a big hole in your life - but weren't we all so lucky to know him!

Brad was my dentist from the early days when he began his practice in, aptly, a former candy store. The photo perfectly captures his vibrant smile and fun tie-dye scrubs. I remember one day when he dashed out of the exam room to cut off a Grateful Dead song about Casey Jones "drivin' that train, high on... " well, something he thought perhaps children shouldn't hear. For 30 years, I could truthfully say I looked forward to going to the dentist. I've been lucky to have him and Tricia as neighbors for many years, too, running into each other on dog walks. His loss is a heartbreaking shock. It's stunning to realize that someone you don't even see every day can nevertheless touch your life deeply. I cannot imagine how his family is coping. Brad was, and will always be, a bright light. With thanks and love, Lynda Leidiger

My heart goes out to Tricia and the kids as they mourn the loss of Brad. When I first moved back to Iowa City someone told me about this incredible dentist who took care of so many musicians in town and joked "that's why artists in this town have teeth". His generosity was so appreciated and I'll miss running into him at shows, always a smile on his face, excited for the show. We'll be thinking of you when we hear the Grateful Dead.

Brad and I had been friends for only about a year, but oddly for that reason I found our friendship precious. It's harder to make friends the older one gets. We met during cardiac therapy. I think we both felt the joy of second chances, having found each other in a place beyond a mere intimation of mortality, and we enjoyed the gift in unspoken satisfaction.

Our friendship was child-like. We discovered our Hawaii connection. He partly grew up on the Big Island in high school. We made me CDs of Cecilio & Kapono recordings he had enjoyed from his days living with his sister on the volcano side of Hilo, and I gave him a DVD of "The Picture Bride", a film that was made in Hawaii that portrayed a life story similar to my wife’s grandmothers’. I remember Brad’s mentioning that he had a coffee klatch at Caribou while we were chatting on side-by-side treadmills. I was hoping that he’d invite me to join them and I’m guessing he must have hoped I’d just invite myself. The next time I saw Brad he invited me to join them at Caribou and I was delighted to do so, where I met Jerry and Chuck. We all met on Tuesdays and occasionally Brad and I met again on Thursdays as well.

Brad told me about his early days in Iowa City and how a New York kid like him ended up in Iowa. He told me about Tricia and their child’s health difficulties as an infant and the support he got from the faculty and the UI dental college. That experience seems to have knit his relationship to Iowa. When he and Tricia and baby returned to New York after graduation to start his career, he told me about their remarkable decision to leave their native New York and return to Iowa to start his business. I guess the three-fold cord that is Iowa City had roped Brad and his family back to Iowa for good. I thought it amazing that would up and do that, and I was glad people had been good enough to him and his family to make him want to.

And I was not just a little envious of his major Deadhead status. As I said, our friendship was child-like.

I felt like I knew Tricia, Brendan, and Jade – not to mention his mom and dad -- from his anecdotes about them, and I assumed that time would unfold in such a way that I would meet them for real sooner or later. Brad spoke so lovingly about his wife and kids. You could not separate love and care for people from him any more than you can separate air from the wind. I looked forward to meeting them and introducing them to my wife and maybe my kids someday, but I figured -- no rush. I knew this was a friendship for the long term. We’d figure something out next week at coffee.

I am a student of irony, which is sometimes funny, sometimes grim, and occasionally terrible in its pain, as is this. You no longer gather rosebuds after a certain age. You graft new shoots onto old and hope it takes. You watch your children make their decisions and your love is sweet not with the scents of springtime but with the fires of autumn. To preserve the person you have lost, to hold them in living memory, I have been told by better people than I that we must in some way become ourselves the ones we have lost. Therefore, I will strive to love better, to be more generous, to appreciate family and friends more fully. Yes, we are tender and fragile, but we can follow Brad’s example and do all that we can with resolve and without fear. I am not without hope that we will find each other’s music again when that delicate harmony of life goes silent. See you again, my friend. I hope to be much improved by then.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Brad. Brad was as full of life and enthusiasm as anyone we have ever known. This loss is a void that will never completely heal. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tricia, Jade, Brendan and the entire Stiles family during this very difficult time. Our hope is that someday our tears of sorrow will turn to tears of joy when remembering our beloved friend Brad. Peace and love to all. Jerry and Julie Raaz

I am so very sorry to hear of Brad's passing! My heart and prayers go out to his family members in this difficult time they are going through. Even though it is my belief that Brad is once again home and at peace, it is hard for us left behind in this most difficult time. Please know that Brad was liked and loved by his classmates of dental school. He had a love for life and a vivacious outlook on life. We will all miss him and his smile!

We are so sorry for your loss. Brad was a friend to our whole family. He was a caring and fun individual who loved his family and community. Thinking of you and praying that you may find comfort with how much Brad was loved.

Steve and Kathy Bowers

Amy Hite

My kids and I were patients of Brad's in the 1990s. He was so friendly and always smiling. He cared about his patients and he was generous with his time. He opened his office later one evening to accommodate my schedule and pull my wisdom teeth. How many dentists would do that? We haven't seen Brad in years and years but I'm sad to hear of his passing. I will always have fond memories of him.

No one was more alive than Brad. He showed us how to live. He seemed to be a visitor from a better place, come to show us mere mortals how much more good could be done if we would wake up. He embodied love-in-action. Why him, why now? It's hard to make sense of his leaving, and I can't comprehend how his family and close friends will deal with this. I send them comfort and caring at this difficult time. With Love, Celia Dunnington

I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked for brad right out of school in 1990- 1993 in the old downtown location. What a fun place to work. That came from Brad.We had myself, Brad, Al, Ann, And Garo.What great memories. The patients were like family along with staff and always laughter. Its how i still practice. We take it for granted but that is not the norm.Brad made a big impact on alot of people and the community and dentistry benefited.One of my mentors. He will be truly missed.You never get over it but you will get through with your friends and family. Jay

Dear Tricia

We were so shocked and saddened to read about Brad’s tragic accident and passing. Such a wonderful man, husband, father and grandfather. Especially sorry he didn’t get to enjoy your new retirement cabin that was just completed. Praying you will find comfort in your memories and your faith. God Bless you and your family.

Rick & Ren’ee Weeter

I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure to work for Brad in 1990-91. I was a new hygienist who had left a bad practice to his. I found him to be a great boss and dentist. He was so easy to talk to and treated me and everyone so well. When I left to work closer to family, I always compared the new dentist to Brad. I finally found a practice as good as his and stayed there for 19 years. He touched so many lives. He will be missed! Sincerely Becky Ernst

Brad and I did our dental residency together at Stony Brook. When I think of Brad his big bright smile is always there. I loved working with him. He knew how to turn a hard day in clinic to a fun day. What a wonderful person and amazing dentist! Words cannot express how deep my condolences are for the Stiles family. My prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

So very sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Stiles was our dentist for years, such a great man. Thinking of you all. Maury and Jan Krob

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Brad's passing. I was just thinking about him Monday, actually. We laughed so much in dental school, and Brad's sense of humor was a gift to our group. Please accept my condolences and know that Brad will always be in the hearts of his classmates. --Bill Koch

Our thoughts and prayers to Brendan and his family

Definitely too young

Mike and Victoria Loperena

Parents of Jordan Loperena

I am so sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. Too young to leave his family and friends. Sending thoughts and sympathies to the family. With fond memories of Brad from high school, Lori Fanelli

Dear Tricia and family: I am deeply saddened and am so sorry for this news. There are so many happy memories of hanging out with you and Brad in high school...Maple Avenue Park, King Kullen, the Senior Prom, etc. On behalf of Smithtown High School West Class of 1975, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers, and will carry the memory of Brad and his wonderful smile in our hearts. With much love, peace be with you, Beverly (Thompson) Vandevender

I’m deeply sorry to learn of Dr. Stiles’ passing.

He was much more than a dentist to me, although he did care for me from way back on Clinton Street until his retirement. Dr. Stiles was always so kind, and he always took extra time to speak with me about my disabled son. He gave me valued advice over the years, and provided inspiration and hope. I was also an admirer of his humanitarian work.

The whole community will miss him.

My condolences to his family.

Brad was just the best. I am so sorry for your loss. I learned of his death this morning--and about an hour later I broke a tooth in kind of a fluke way. He has been in my thoughts and heart all day. I am so sorry that our world has lost such a kind, talented, funny, understanding soul too soon. He will be missed by many. Sending wishes of peace and healing to all of his loved ones.

I am so sorry for your loss. Brad was always pleasant while being so busy in the office.

Brad was my dentist for over 25 years in three different locations of River City Dental in Iowa City. I can't say I always looked forward to dentist appointments, but I always looked forward to seeing Brad. He was a gregarious and upbeat guy who always remembered my interests (theatre) and would always inquire what I was working on, and a damn fine dentist, too! Our deep condolences from Janis and myself.

So sorry for your loss.

I was a patient of Brad's from way back when he first opened River City downtown on Clinton St right up until he retired. He was skilled, charming, funny, intelligent, and always a pleasure to see. It's hugely unfair that the retirement he finally stepped into has been cut so short. The world is a slightly darker place today.

Brad gave me my first dental job in 1986. He was a excellent dentist with great clinical skills. His concept of being open 7 days a week was ground breaking. He was a hard worker and I am stunned to hear the news. My condolences to his family.

A friend for 45+ years. And the coolest dentist on the planet.

"I'll tell you where the four winds sleep

Like four lean hounds the lighthouse keep

Wildflower seed in the sand and wind

May the four winds blow you home again"

Everyone says my best feature is my smile and I owe that to Dr. Stiles! He was kind hearted, funny and overall the best! He will be missed by family, friends and his patients. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Thank you for taking care of me Dr. Stiles!

Brad was the kindest! I loved talking music, and life with him.He was my dentist, and a damn good one. I will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathy to the family.

So sorry for your loss. Brad was my dentist but I also consider him my friend. He definitely made going to the dentist easier. Always asked about our lives and our family, even when I knew he was busy. I always knew when Brad was in the office because of the music selection. I always loved his music choices. His kindness is this universe will be missed.

Kind, compassionate, capable, eager to help, and overflowing with the Joy of Life. A top-shelf problem solver and the best friend a person could have. I already miss him dearly and forever, but his face, his memory or the mere mention of his name will always bring a smile to my face.

A smile, by the way, that he generously restored to me.

Love ya, Brad

Brad is a humanitarian, a true family man and all around beautiful human being. To be a friend is an absolute honor. Anyone who knows Brad’s thoughtful and caring heart, great mind and giving spirit has had truly an uplifting look forward at life.

I know well that he would like us to smile, as tough as this is.

You are the pillar of our river city.

I love you Brad

Trevor Lee Hopkins.

Brad Stiles was the first dentist that erased my dental phobia. I started seeing him when he was downtown and he remained my dentist until the day he retired. I was literally one of his final patients the week he retired. He wanted to be sure I was done w/ my implants before he left and I was so grateful! He was such a friendly guy and we often shared stories of our connections to NYC and N.J. He put me at ease during all procedures, of which I had a lot, and always conformed that I was doing okay.

It's very hard to believe he is gone.

My deepest sympathies to his family. He always spoke so fondly of you all.

I met Dr. Stiles as a new patient when he started his business in downtown Iowa City. He took such great care of me for many years. Dr. Stiles and I shared stories of our families and travels throughout the years. Brad always made me feel comfortable during my many visits. Brendan, Jade, and Tricia... I am thinking of you all during this difficult time.

~Mary (Dyer) Ticer

Dr. Stiles will be surly missed. He is the first dentist that eased fears and explained his services in detail. Over thirty years we came to know Brad as a professional and personal friend. His drive for perfection in his work, is irreplaceable. May Brad Rest In Peace knowing he made a difference in other people’s lives.

Brad was the first dentist I worked for. He was a great teacher and a generous boss. We always had fun at RCDC. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

I owe everything I know about dentistry to brad stiles. My fondest memories are when we traveled to owings mills. We were roommates. You will be missed brother.

So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all.

Brad was so caring and will be forever missed. I remember how caring he was when he did my implant and when my son lost his two front teeth from a fall at school. Then when I lost my husband.

Brad was an amazing person and dentist. He always was positive and interested in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends. He will be missed!