Dr I. Stephen Brown on July 20, 2026. Beloved husband of Pauline “Pelley” (nee Sablove); Loving father of Jason Samuel Brown (Alexa Levitt) and Samantha Brown Johnston (Derek); Dear brother of Jane Brown Ware (Gary); Adoring grandfather of Avery, Matthew, Zoe, and Noah.

For Dr. I. Stephen Brown, a life well lived was measured not by professional accolades, but by the love of family, the friendships he nurtured, the students he inspired, and the countless lives he touched with kindness, generosity, and compassion. While he earned international recognition as one of the nation's most accomplished periodontists, Steve was, first and foremost, a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, mentor, and friend whose greatest joy was always found in the people he loved. 

At the center of that life was his beloved wife, Pelley, whose partnership, unwavering support, and shared sense of adventure shaped more than six decades together. He was a deeply devoted father to Jason and Sam, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with confidence, while leading by example through his patience, curiosity, integrity, and quiet wisdom. He welcomed his son-in-law, Derek, and daughter-in-law, Alexa, into the family with genuine affection, embracing them as his own, and took immense pride in the lives they built together. Nothing, however, compared to the happiness he found as "Grampy" to Avery, Matt, Zoe, and Noah. Whether celebrating milestones, sharing stories, or simply enjoying time together, his grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy. He also had a special place in his heart for his sister, Jane, and her family. As her older brother, he saw himself as both mentor and protector and was especially proud of her academic and professional accomplishments. He also enjoyed hearing about the many achievements of his nephews, Bryan and Scott, and their children. 

Steve believed that life's greatest gifts were meant to be shared, and he delighted in passing along the passions that enriched his own life. An avid skier, golfer, cyclist, and tennis player, he embraced every opportunity for adventure. Together, he and Pelley cultivated a lifelong appreciation for the arts—from classical music and theater to collecting fine art—and, as graduates of the Barnes Foundation program, they shared a deep commitment to lifelong learning and cultural exploration. Through these experiences, Steve instilled in his family an enduring love of curiosity, beauty, travel, and the importance of living a life filled with purpose, balance, and joy. 

That same generosity of spirit defined Steve's professional life. A graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry, he became the first dentist in the United States to complete advanced specialty training in both Periodontics and Adult Orthodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. During a distinguished career spanning more than five decades, he earned national and international recognition as one of dentistry's most respected clinicians, educators, innovators, and mentors. He was a pioneer in the use of laser therapy for periodontal disease, founded The Perio Group and The Cosmetic Consortium, and built a thriving periodontal and dental implant practice in Center City Philadelphia that earned the trust of generations of patients. His career included professorships at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, leadership of the Dental Implant Division at Einstein Jefferson Medical Center, where he served nearly 50 years as its Director. The Center established an annual day in his honor—The I. Stephen Brown Dental Implant Day. He served on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Periodontology, and was appointed as an examiner for the American Board of Periodontology. A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Fellow of numerous prestigious professional organizations, he received more than 350 professional honors during his lifetime. Yet, those who knew Steve understood that titles and awards never defined him. His greatest fulfillment came from teaching—mentoring young dentists, inspiring a lifelong pursuit of excellence, and reminding them that technical skill mattered little without humility, compassion, and genuine care for others. 

His legacy endures not only in the profession he helped shape, but in the family he adored, the students he inspired, the patients whose lives he improved, and the countless people who strive to live by the example he so quietly and generously set. His technical achievements and countless honors earned him international recognition, but those who knew him understood that what mattered most to Steve was the opportunity to serve others, to teach with humility, and to leave every student, colleague, and patient better than he found them. He encouraged his students to give back to the profession as he did. His legacy lives on not only through his extraordinary contributions to dentistry, but also through the enduring love he had for his family, the values he embodied, and the countless lives forever changed by his kindness, wisdom, and example.

Relatives and friends are invited to Funeral Services, Thursday, July 23 10:30 AM precisely at Society Hill Synagogue, 418 Spruce St., Phila., PA 19106. Int. Laurel Hill West Cemetery. A livestream of the service is available here. Shiva will be observed at the home of Sam and Derek Johnston, Thursday following interment and Friday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Shiva will continue Sunday at his late residence from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to Society Hill Synagogue or as follows: Payee Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, mail to Office of Institutional Advancement, Braemer Education Building, 5501 Old York Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19141 Memo: Implant Day, or by Online Donations: Make a Gift to Jefferson Einstein Hospital, with notation Implant Day.