Dr. Stuart K. Remley, 1924-2011: Toledo endocrinologist adopted specialty early in his career

3/20/2011

Dr. Stuart K. Remley, a Toledo endocrinologist for more than two decades who offered patients his expertise and lent them his ear, died Thursday in Lake Park Comfort Care Center, Sylvania, of complications from Alzheimer's disease. He was 86.

Formerly of Sylvania Township, he lived in the care center for two years.

He retired from his endocrinology practice in 1990.

He adopted the specialty early in his career. He was a 1953 graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and was an intern at York, Pa., Hospital.

He practiced family medicine from 1955 to 1962 in Glen Rock, Pa.

Patient care was foremost, but he wanted to be intellectually challenged as well, his son, Stuart, said.

"He wanted to get a subspecialty that would allow him to be a diagnostician and specialized clinician," his son said. "He was inquisitive in nature."

Endocrinology allowed him "to find the answers to things that weren't readily apparent," his son said.

During an internal medicine residency at Mercy Hospital, Baltimore, he pursued endocrinology.

He had a fellowship in the specialty at the University of Maryland school of medicine.

He accepted an offer to join a Toledo physicians' practice in 1967. He later founded his own practice .

Dr. Remley did more than diagnose and treat illness, his daughter, June, said.

"He encouraged people to spend time with him and talk to him," his daughter said.

But he didn't look at it as time, his son said.

"He was a very compassionate man. He would spend an hour with a patient and got to know the patient and would not only serve as a clinician, but as a counselor," his son said. "I think today that has been lost.

"Humility was his staple," his son said.

"He often treated people for free. He was not a materialistic man. Money was never a motivator for him."

He was an adjunct professor a short time at Medical College of Ohio. He also was staff physician for Owens Corning.

His modesty extended to saying little about his work to his family.

"His work was really all-consuming for him," his daughter said. "After he retired, he and my mother simply spent a lot of time together."

A Caribbean cruise in 1999 was a highlight. They also enjoyed day trips around northwest Ohio and into Michigan or visits to relatives in Pennsylvania. He liked to take walks after dinner.

"He had very simple tastes," his daughter said.

His son said: "He could present a paradox to you. He was conservative in thought and demeanor, but at the same time, he was very generous in deed. Although he was very reserved, he was colorful if you got to know him."

His wit was intelligent and dry, and a remark might not spark an immediate smile.

"You'd have to think about it for a minute," his son said.

He was born Dec. 20, 1924, in Hummelstown, Pa., to Elizabeth and Harry T. Remley. He was a 1942 graduate of Hummelstown High School.

During World War II, he was an Army surgical technican. He served in India and Burma.

Back home, he received a bachelor's degree in premedicine from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pa.

He was a member of professional organizations and of the China-Burma-India Veterans Association.

Surviving are his wife, M. June Remley, whom he married Dec. 18, 1947; son, Stuart Eric Remley; daughter, June Remley, and two grandsons.

Services will be private. Arrangements are by the Walker Funeral Home.

The family suggests tributes to the Alzheimer's Association.

Contact Mark Zaborney at: mzaborney@theblade.com or 419-724-6182.