Peter Brelis

Peter C. Brelis died at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough, Maine on December 3, 2024. Peter was born in Newport, RI, the son of Christos and (Mary Michael) Brelis, on August 11, 1926. He attended Newport schools and prior to graduation, he enlisted in the Navy. After basic training in Sampson, NY, he served his country from 1943, throughout World War II and the Korean War, and until 1963. He was stationed in San Diego and later Norfolk, Virginia, serving aboard various ships including the U.S.S. Algol, U.S.S. Klondike, U.S.S. Coral Sea, U.S.S. Merrick, and U.S.S. George Clymer. While stationed in Portland, Maine, he met Stella Severino; they were married at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church on April 21, 1951. She traveled with him to San Diego and then Norfolk, Virginia, where he was stationed. They welcomed their son, Christopher, in 1960. Peter and his family settled in Portland, Maine when he retired from the military after 20 years of service. He then went on to work for the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier for 20 years. Peter was a member of the Italian Heritage Center where he participated in bocce leagues for many years. He was also a member of the Elks, Lodge #188. He and Stella enjoyed their years of winter months spent in Florida, first in Hollywood and then St. Petersburg. Stella and Peter were great dancers, winning dance competitions and loving every minute of it! They were always up for a night out dancing! His older brother Dean Brelis and his younger sister, Sofie Scontras both predeceased him. Peter lost Stella, his beloved wife of 61 years, in 2012. Peter is survived by his son, Christopher and his wife, Elise (Blagdon), his grandchildren, Athena Osbourne, and Nathan Brelis and two great-granddaughters, Louisa and Charlie, (Athena and Mitchell Osbourne’s daughters.) Peter was very, very proud of his grandchildren and was their loving Papa. Peter also had many nieces and nephews Peter enjoyed sports, especially boxing, watching Patriots football and striped bass fishing with his son. Peter was a boxer and trainer in the Navy. He proudly showed friends and family the album of photos and newspaper clippings from his Navy boxing career. In the last weeks of his life, Compassus Hospice, the Portland Boxing Club, and the Maine Veterans Home collaborated to arrange for Peter to be a guest of honor at the Portland Expo All-Star Boxing event held on Veteran’s Day weekend. He was honored with a standing ovation. This event meant a lot to him. Peter was grateful to everyone at the Maine Veteran’s Home for providing care for him. He frequently said, “They take good care of me.” He enjoyed participating in the activities and field trips and was always asking, “What are we doing next?” Calling hours will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the AT Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland, Maine. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am, on Wednesday December 11, 2024, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland, Maine. Followed by Interment at Calvary Cemetery with military honors, 1461 Broadway, South Portland, Maine. Gathering of family and friends will follow at the Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Avenue, Portland, Maine.

Peter Brelis

August 11, 1926 - December 3, 2024

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services