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 11:00 am. Calling hours will be held Monday Feb. 28th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm 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.

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