Dr Brian Joseph Silverlieb

Beloved Father, Brother, And Veterinarian Founded Mt Pleasant Hospital For Animals

Brian Joseph Silverlieb, VMD, died February 24, surrounded by his loving family and friends, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Dr Silverlieb was born in Hartford, and was predeceased by his parents, Samuel Silverlieb and Martha Gloria Sipala. He was also predeceased by his stepfather, Franklin Longo, Sr.

He is survived by his cherished son Darryl, of Newtown; brothers Franklin Longo, Jr, and his wife, Paula of Niskayuna, N.Y., Richard Silverlieb, and his wife Belle, of Montville, N. J., Samuel Silverlieb of Vernon, Paul Silverlieb, and his wife Sandy, of Irvine, Texas, and Daniel Silverlieb of Woodbury; and a sister, Debra Silverlieb of Milford. He also leaves behind several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and longtime clients.

Dr Silverlieb attended Colorado State University, prior to a junior year acceptance to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where he was noted to be the youngest person to graduate from the school.

Dr Silverlieb owned and operated the Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals in Newtown, where he practiced for 35 years. He was well known for his skill, compassion, and dedication.

“I have been working with Dr Silverlieb for eight years,” said Dr Rock Vali, “and since day one, he has been very good to me, personally and professionally. He was always there for me.” Dr Vali recalled his mentor as a man of great compassion, who was always helpful to him and to his many clients. “He taught me what the practice should be,” said Dr Vali, who took over the Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals practice in October 2010.

“It was important to him that we be there to help the community, our clients, and to give customer service. He believed that honesty is the best policy, and if we make a mistake, we admit it and move on. When I bought the practice, he said, ‘If you ever need any help, advice, financial help — you come to me.’ Those words are still echoing in my ears. He was a smart veterinarian. He will be very, very much missed,” Dr Vali said.

Dr Silverlieb was an accomplished equestrian. In 2009, he and his horse, Iceman, placed first in the amateur Hunter Division in Wellington, Fla. He enjoyed traveling and participated in Horseback Safari in Ireland, Africa, and Scotland.

He was active in the community and donated his time to free clinics and animal adoption. The Mt Pleasant Hospital also sponsored Newtown Little League Baseball. He loved the arts and theater, and collected artifacts from around the world. He enjoyed the enrichment these possessions brought to his home, Amberfield Farm, which he shared with his son and their many pets.

The family would like to extend its gratitude and thanks to the community for all its support. Dr Silverlieb was blessed with many good friends and neighbors and their many acts of kindness and generosity were greatly appreciated. The family extends special thanks to the Danbury Nursing Registry and Danbury Hospice for all their help and support, and finally a huge thank you to Dr Rock Vali, Dr Maria Lagana, and the staff of the Mt Pleasant Hospital for their devotion.

A service in celebration of Dr Silverlieb’s life took place March 1, at Honan Funeral Home, Newtown.

Memorial donations can be made to the Building Fund of the New Animal Shelter, c/o Canine Advocates of Newtown, PO Box 236, Newtown CT 06470.

The Newtown Bee        March 4, 2011