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Honan Funeral Home - Newtown

58 Main Street

Newtown, Connecticut

Brian Silverlieb Obituary

SILVERLIEB Brian Joseph Silverlieb, VMD, died February 24, 2011 surrounded by his loving family and friends after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Dr. Silverlieb was born in Hartford Connecticut 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 wife Paula of Niskayuna, New York, Richard Silverlieb and wife Belle of Montville, New Jersey, Samuel Silverlieb of Vernon, Paul Silverlieb and wife Sandy of Irvine, Texas, Daniel Silverlieb of Woodbury and sister, Debra Silverlieb of Milford, Connecticut. He also leaves behind several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and longtime clients. Dr. Silverlieb attended Colorado State University prior to a Junior 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 Mount Pleasant Hospital for Animals in Newtown, Connecticut where he practiced for 35 years. He was well known for his skill, compassion and dedication. Dr. Silverlieb was an accomplished equestrian. In 2009, he and his horse, Iceman, placed first in the amateur Hunter Division in Wellington, Florida. 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 Mount 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 their gratitude and thanks to the community for all their support. Brian was blessed with many good friends and neighbors and their many acts of kindness and generosity were greatly appreciated. A special thanks to the Danbury Nursing Registry and Danbury Hospice for all their help and support. Finally a huge thank you to Dr. Rock Vali, Dr. Maria Lagana and the staff of The Mount Pleasant Hospital for their devotion. A service in celebration of Dr. Silverlieb's life will be held at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 11 am. Calling hours will be held Monday Feb. 28th from 2: to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers all 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Connecticut Post on Feb. 27, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Silverlieb

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Victor Kenton

February 21, 2021

I reconnected with Brian after our 40th high school reunion. He invited a group of us to his home, served us a lovely breakfast, and showed us wonderful hospitality. It was a lovely time and I remember how gracious and generous Brian was.

Leslie Manger

March 29, 2011

Dr. Silverlieb was the best vet ever! He took care of our 2 JRT's, Sparky and Bea, since 1996. He always reminded me of the Dog Whisperer with his uncanny ability to connect with the animals and form a bond. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and staff during this difficult time. Dr. Silverlieb was a good man who made a positive difference in the lives of so many. You can't do better than that!

Alison Trainor Cello

March 24, 2011

Dr.Silverlieb,
You were the most caring vet I have ever known.Thank you for always taking such great care of Jackie, Jasmine, Chloe and Duchess. You will be sorely missed. God bless you and your lovely son. Be at peace.

Jerry George

March 16, 2011

Dr.Silverlieb, You took such wonderful care of our lttle Gracie. She was always afraid to go to the vet but loved to see you. God bless you and your family.

You could see Brian's love for animals in the way he would talk to the pets in his care. He was very special person and will be missed. God Bless!!!

Tony Tylutki

March 11, 2011

I first met Dr. S. 6 years ago -- I adopted my very first cat, Dharma, through Brian... her pic with pink mouse is on wall in Brian's cat exam room.

Tony Tylutki

March 11, 2011

Nancy Couture

March 11, 2011

My deepest condolences go out to Brian's friends and family. I first met Brian about 40 years ago and was only recently back in touch with him. I shall remember him for his intelligence, compassion and quick wit.
I was thrilled to hear about his son,Darryl, whom he spoke of with the utmost pride and love. My heart goes out especially to Darryl at this most difficult of times. Know that your Dad will not be forgotten, but rather lives on in the heart of every person or animal whose life he has ever touched. You will know he's there every time you hear a cat purr, see a dog wag it's tail or view a horse grazing in a field of grass.God bless!

Carol Ann Frascione

March 9, 2011

Our condolences to Brian's family. We have known him since 1977 when we brough our first pet to his practice - our dog Teddy. Subsequently, we brought our 3 cats (Crystal, Cindy, and Spaz) and he treated them with such gentleness, kindness, and love. He was such a comfort when we had to put all of them down(with the exception of Spaz whom we still have). We just recently learned of his passing and are deeply saddened. He will be missed very, very much.

The Frascione family of Bethel

Marcia DeBarber

March 7, 2011

To Dr. Silverlieb's family. I met Brian in 1985 when I purchased a 2 year old TB filly that he had rescued from starvation. I owned that sweet gentle mare for the rest of her life - 20 years. I thought of Brian and his incredible kindness many times over the years. Because he gave that little filly a chance, she was able to go on and live a wonderful life. My prayers go out to you, he will not be forgotten.

Victor Kenton

March 6, 2011

Brian was a high school classmate. We reconnected at the 40th reunion of DHS in 2005. He invited our little group to his home on Sunday morning, and made us breakfast. We all had a wonderful talk, and I was struck with his generosity of mind and spirit. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. I know he was devoted to his son, and to his practice. Just a kind, beautiful man.

Lynn Ceccarelli

March 4, 2011

I was saddened to hear of Brian's passing. He was a compassionate man. I remember when we rode horses together many years ago. He was a great vet. My prayers and thoughts are with his son and family. God Bless.

Jeff Armstrong

March 2, 2011

I will always be grateful to Brian for the wonderful care he provided to our family's dogs as well as for his compassion and support when it came time to put them down. He was a true gentleman.

Buster & Sophie

Jane & Howard Phillips

March 1, 2011

Brian was a good friend, wonderful neighbor, and took special care of my pets for the past 28 years. We are thankful to have known him. He will be very much missed. Our condolences to his entire family.

Toni Baranowski

February 28, 2011

I was so saddened to hear the news. I've known Brian since he opened his practice. He always took wonderful care of my pets and never hesitated to assist me with my wild rehab animals when necessary. I've always considered him a close, personal friend. His sincere compassion for all living creatures had no bounds. I also loved the time I worked with him and miss those days at the practice. He was a very special person to me and I will never forget his friendly smile and kind, reassuring words. I will miss him forever and pray for his family in these difficult times.

Pat and John Priest

February 28, 2011

Dear Darryl and family,
For 34 years "Uncle Brian" gave all of
himself to pets and patients.In joyous
times he laughed with us, in sad times
he cried with us. The compassion he had
was above and beyond.He has a special
place in our hearts and always will.
God bless you Brian you will be missed.

Pooh Bear Hazen

Tammy Hazen

February 28, 2011

To Dr. Silverlieb's family and friends, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Although we started going to Mt. Pleasant Hospital a short while ago and have not had the pleasure to meet Brian personally, we know many people who have known him well and expressed how extraordinarily he lived his life. I'm sure he was received by the Good Lord with a Huge Hug and a "Well Done My Son!"

Blessings to all. Tammy and Sara Hazen

February 28, 2011

My prays and thoughts are with Brian's family and friends. I only knew for a short time, but his caring, for people and his patients, won me over immediately. I'm glad he touched our lives. God bless... Jo-Ann Santagata (Shelton Ct.)

February 28, 2011

My prays and thoughts, are with Brian's family and friends. I only knew for a short time, but his caring, for people and his patients, won me over immediately. I'm glad he touched our lives. God bless... Jo-Ann Santagata (Shelton Ct.)

Mark Dorazio

February 28, 2011

To Darryl and the rest of Brian's Family

I am very sorry to hear the news. Brian was a great person who always made me feel welcomed. I will remember his sense of humor and desire to live. He was an excellent role model and will be missed very much. If there is anything I can do, do not hesitate to ask.

Cathy and Gary Corris

February 27, 2011

To Brian's family - Brian was our many beloved pets caregiver (and my friend) for almost 30 years. His love of our animals, his many medical miracles, his compassion...during many happy, and some very tearful times... will never be forgotten. My heart aches at his loss. How lucky we all were to have shared a moment in time with such an extraordinary man who fought so courageously and gave so much to all.
I'm sorry we can't be there to extend a more personal farewell. May God bless Brian, and God bless your family.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
The Corris family (formerly Newtowners)

Carol & Chuck Beebe

February 27, 2011

Brian - Not only have you been my vet but a good friend for almost 30 years. You are so special. You always, always took the time to care, made those hard phone calls when the news wasn't good and you always showed so much compassion and offered assistance in any shape or form. We would always chat before our visits about days gone by and the love we had for our horses. Then we would catch up on what was going on in our lives now. I am so glad I saw you months back and got a big hug from a good friend. We will miss you Brian but I know we will see you someday at the gate of "Rainbow Bridge" - God Bless You, Darryl and Your Family.

Maureen Crocker

February 27, 2011

So sorry to hear about Brian's passing. Even though I had moved, I never forgot him and his kindness to animals. He will be missed. God bless you and your family

Gail Luf

February 27, 2011

Brian, Thank-you for your outstanding care for over 30 years. You always new what to say to make your patients feel better with your smile and laughter. A man of Humility who performed everyday miracles. God Bless you and your family.

February 27, 2011

What a wonderful, kind and generous person! Brian, you will be greatly missed and never forgotten. We are so lucky to have known you and Darryl. God bless you and your family.

All our love,
The Frangione Family

M Matern

February 27, 2011

Dr. Silverlieb was such a kind man. When my daughter was little, we brought her first pet, a guinea pig to him when she became ill. He called a week later to check on her, although sadly, she had passed. He then sent my daughter a basket of flowers. He was so devoted to the animals and so thoughtful to the pet owners. He really will be missed!

Beverly Z

February 27, 2011

Dr. Silverlieb was so kind and patient. One day, when I brought my puppy in with a cough, he sat on the floor after examining him and played with him for a good while, trying to hear the cough. He was so wonderful and I felt like he really loved my puppy. He helped me alot in those first few months and he will be greatly missed.

Chris G.

February 27, 2011

I don't no where to begin in my praise of this great man. I will always remember him as a passionate, caring and smart person. God bless you Brian and your family. Godspeed to you on your new journey.

Christina Martabano

February 27, 2011

Brian was such a wonderful kind hearted man. I was so very lucky to have known him and his son through my friendship with Dr. Maria Lagana. Remember all the good times and his great spirit. He will be missed.

joan gilbertie

February 27, 2011

I was so upset upon learning of the passing of Dr. Silverlieb. He was an extraordinary veterinarian who knew just how to make our pets comfortable in an anxious situation.He will be sorely missed in our community.

Beverly Zeroogian

February 27, 2011

When I was a new puppy parent, Dr. Silverlieb was so kind and generous in educating me about my dog. When I brought Sonic in one day with a cough, Dr. Silverlieb examined him, then sat on the floor and played with him until he could hear the cough. I was moved by his patience and love of animals. I will miss him very much, and will always be grateful for the care he provided us.

Tammy McVey-Camilleri

February 27, 2011

You were the best vet in the world! You were such gift to all of our pets and our family. You loved your work and all of our four legged family members. You treated them as though they were part of your family.

You will be so missed. Thank you for the exceptional care and compassion you provided to my Mom's beloved dog Rod, and our childhood pets, Heidi and Max.
With gratitude,
Tammy McVey-Camilleri

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