Dr. Arthur K. Brelia

1926 - 2022

Brelia, Dr. Arthur K.
GLOVERSVILLE - Dr. Arthur K. Brelia, a retired long-time Gloversville obstetrician-gynecologist, died at the Albany Stratton VA Hospital on December 29, 2022, following a long illness.
Dr. Brelia was born on July 13, 1926, in Altona, N.Y., the son of the late Kathryn (Willett) Brelia and Clarence E. Brelia of Albany. His wife of 40 years, Agnes (Kelly) Brelia, died in 1989.
A 1950 graduate of Albany Medical School, Dr. Brelia served in the Navy during World War II and the Air Force during the Korean War. From 1953-54 he was the chief of obstetrics-gynecology at the U.S. Air Force Base in Coca Beach, Fla. After completing his service at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, Dr. Brelia opened his first practice in Albany and had privileges at Albany Medical Center as well as St. Peter's Hospital and Brady Maternity Hospital in Albany.
He joined the medical staff of Gloversville's Nathan Littauer Hospital in 1960 and opened his private practice in Gloversville in 1961. He served in a number of positions at Nathan Littauer over the years, including vice chief of staff, chief of staff, and chief of obstetrics-gynecology. He also served as the long-time health officer for the City of Gloversville.
Dr. Brelia was an avid, life-long golfer who finally recorded an official hole-in-one at Gloversville's Kingsboro Golf Course in August 1995. His friends and fellow physicians, Dr. David Handron and Dr. Daut Gjoni, witnessed the score which was reported in the local Leader-Herald.
Dr. Brelia's other life-long passion and avocation was harness racing. He owned, trained, and drove many standard-bred horses over the years, compiling quite a record of success. His best horses, "Go Yates" and "Go Gardner," garnered some prestigious awards. In the spring of 1991, Dr. Brelia qualified as the U.S.A. Senior Representative in that year's series of International Harness Races. Those 1991 races were held in racing venues all over France, including at Vincennes in Paris. Prior to her death, his wife, Agnes "Kel," was an enthusiastic partner and owner in these horse racing endeavors.
Dr. Brelia was predeceased by one of his daughters, Kristine Brelia Smith, and his son, Keith Arthur Brelia. His daughter, Karen Brelia Corcoran of Baltimore, Md. survives him, along with two sons-in-law, Richard J. Corcoran of Baltimore, and Robert D. Smith of Duanesburg and Ocala, Fla. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Richard J. Corcoran Jr. of Cincinnati, Brian A. Corcoran of Arlington, Mass., and Kelly Smith Sturman of Oldwick, N.J.; as well as nine great-grandchildren and several cousins, including Linda Jandreau Seymour and her husband, Ray Seymour, of Clifton Park.
Burial arrangements will be finalized at a later date.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.