In Memory of Dr. Timothy Hale
Dr. Timothy Hale made an indelible mark on the Hudson Valley before passing away in January 2022. He was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer in 2020 after spending 35-plus years doing what he loved: giving people a reason to smile. His compassion for his patients and passion for his craft made him a leader in dentistry in the Hudson Valley.
Dr. Hale served on numerous dental boards, giving input on product development. He was courted by large companies to join their boards and lecture full time, but he preferred treating people and creating smiles.
What really made him happy was when people would gain confidence because of their new smiles. It made him so proud when patients would share pictures of themselves, or when they said they now had the confidence to go for that job interview or get back in the dating world. That's what kept him chairside and fueled his love of dentistry. He loved helping people smile, laugh, and live with confidence.
Dr. Hale always told everyone, "I don't take myself seriously, but I take what I do very seriously." That was a promise that he always delivered on. He treated every patient in his office, whether they were in his direct care or not, as if they were his family.
He set the bar high for his work and surrounded himself with team members who would join him in reaching for it. At the end of every day, no matter how smooth or tough it was, Dr. Hale never left the building without showing his gratitude. They were not just his coworkers; they were his extended family.
Dr. Hale was always quick with a joke. He loved quoting his favorite movies and teasing our younger team members when they didn't know a song or movie line from his classic favorites. He also loved his extended family at Gold's Gym in Newburgh. He could often be found there taking a spin class or pump class, making the entire room laugh and smile while getting in a serious workout.
It wasn't just about teeth and creating beautiful smiles. He cared about the people he shared a community with. He and his partner, Dr. Peter Masci, helped fundraise and build a playground in the Village of Walden. They also raised funds for the Inspire Dental Clinic for children and adults with special needs by spearheading a successful teeth whitening campaign. And they began the Most Precious Blood summer basketball league.
Dr. Hale bragged about his wife and three boys all the time, to anyone who would listen. He got to see all of his kids get married to wonderful wives. He also got to meet his two beautiful granddaughters, Vivianne and Ella, before his healing from cancer took a turn. He was truly humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support he received from everyone as he was battling cancer.
Professionally, personally, and emotionally, we all miss Dr. Hale so much. In our office, we will keep the bar set high in his honor. We will do what he always did: give our coworkers and our patients a reason to smile.
