Gottlieb, Bruce Howard
SLINGERLANDS — Bruce Howard Gottlieb, age 65, died at his home in Slingerlands on Saturday, January 2, 2021. The cause of death was young onset Alzheimer’s disease. Bruce was born on November 15, 1955, in the Bronx to Ruth and Arnold Gottlieb. He attended Sullivan County Community College, Temple University (secondary and special education) and graduated from Queens College with a master’s degree in special education, and an advanced certification in school supervision and administration.
Survivors include Steffi Silon, his wife of forty-two years; and his daughters, Nari and Mara of Slingerlands. Bruce is survived by his mother, Ruth Gottlieb of Long Beach, N.Y.; sister Robin Liffman and brotherin-law Charlie Liffman of Long Beach, sister Ellen Gottlieb of Brooklyn, and sister-in-law Ruth Silon of Cleveland, Ohio. Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Gottlieb.
Bruce was raised in Chicago and North Bellmore, Long Island. As a married couple, he and Steffi lived in Briarwood and Forest Hills, N.Y. He lived with Steffi and their two daughters in Oceanside and Slingerlands. On August 20, 1978, Bruce married Steffi Silon. They enjoyed many years traveling to different countries and supported each other while pursuing their graduate studies. Bruce was happiest raising their two daughters, his two girls were the light of his life. Both Nari and Mara have displayed their love, devotion and caring nature during his long illness with Alzheimer’s.
During his marriage and years of child rearing, Bruce loved playing with their dogs, Stacey and Shelley. The past eight years, Meredith has been his constant companion.
Bruce was a member of Congregation Beth Emeth, and Beth-abraham Jacob in Albany and Temple Israel and Young Israel in Great Neck, N.Y. His faith, customs and traditions remained important to him throughout his lifetime.
Bruce worked with the New York City Board of Education, Kingston City Schools, Albany City Schools, Roslyn School District and Greenburgh Central School District #7 until retiring in 2013.
Bruce will be especially remembered for his commitment and dedication to many students with special needs. As a special education teacher, director of special education and director of pupil personnel services, Bruce devoted his career to helping all students achieve their highest potential. He worked tirelessly to be certain that all children from grades kindergarten through high school were placed in the most appropriate settings. He was a continuous source of support for the many special education teachers, secretaries, social workers, psychologists and speech pathologists whom he supervised.
Aside from his profession in education, Bruce’s love of cycling was paramount throughout his life. Whether riding his Serrata during the 5 Borough Bike Tour, the 100-mile bike trip from Manhattan to Albany, raising funds for the Tour de Cure or his ride from Long Island to Cleveland, Bruce was always laughing and smiling while riding his bicycle. However, Bruce’s unwavering love and devotion to his wife Steffi, and his two daughters, Nari and Mara, was his foremost passion.
The family would like to thank The Northeastern Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, especially Erica as well as members of the Young Onset Alzheimer’s Support Group and The
Support Group and The Community Hospice, Bonnie, Mary, Tina, Steve, Cylon, Laura, Elizabeth and Michelle. Special thanks to Wayne who provided excellent care and companionship for Bruce. We are grateful to Eddy Alzheimer’s Services, specifically Jennifer, Sandy, Jerry and Toby for their numerous, joyful visits with Bruce and his family. Sincerest appreciation to Dr. Roberta Miller for her consistent compassionate care while providing exemplary medical services. With much gratitude to Christine, Carey, Lynne, Carolyn, Geri, Marion, Sam and Jay for their never-ending support and understanding during these past ten years.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a small graveside service will be held for immediate family. A memorial service, celebrating Bruce’s life, will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions are welcome to the Special Olympics at give. specialolympics.org, The Northeastern Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/northeasternny or ASPCA at secure.aspca.org.
To leave a condolence message for the family, please visit levinememorialchapel. com