Dr. Winthrop Brielman

PITTSFIELD -- Dr. Winthrop E. Brielman, a longtime Pittsfield veterinarian, died Saturday at Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center in Lenox. He was 80.

Dr. Brielman, who had lived at 791 Holmes Road, came from a family of veterinarians. He and his sister, Marguerite, graduated in 1944 with doctor of veterinary medicine degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, and he and his father, Dr. Eugene O. Brielman, D.V.M., worked together in the same practice.

Besides his local practice, Dr. Brielman served several years on the State Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine. He also served for many years as state veterinarian for Western Massachusetts, a position that involved, among other things, investigating allegations of animal abuse.

Born in Pittsfield on July 30, 1922, also the son of Gladys Mundell Brielman, he was a graduate of Pittsfield High School and attended the former Massachusetts State College. He was valedictorian of his class at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Brielman served in the Army Veterinarian Corps from his days in college until he retired in 1982 with the rank of colonel. He was senior medical coordinator at the Army Medical Treatment Facility at Camp Drumm in Watertown, N.Y., for several tours of duty.

Upon completion of his veterinary schooling, he entered private practice with his father. He specialized in large-animal medicine, while also being involved with the small-animal practice of his father.

He was active in 4-H when he was young and served as president of the first Berkshire County 4-H fair during the 1930s.

He and his wife, the former Marie Geoffrion, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Feb. 6.

Besides his wife, he leaves three daughters, Joan B. Lyng of Pittsfield, Elaine B. Derboven of Springvale, Maine, and Rose Marie Ryan of Lebanon, Maine; five sons, Russell W. Brielman of Eureka, Ill., and Christopher L. Brielman, Kevin Miller, Keith Miller and Jeffrey Miller, all of Pittsfield; the Millers’ mother, Virginia Miller of Pittsfield; a sister, Dr. Marguerite Gulick, D.V.M., of Great Barrington; eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- The funeral for Dr. Winthrop E. Brielman, D.V.M., will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be in Pittsfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are suggested to the Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association, 30 East Housatonic St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 220 East St., is in charge of arrangements.