Obituary of William Francis Orluk

GLENS FALLS: William F. Orluk, affectionately known as Doc Bill, passed away on February 22, 2026, at Albany Medical Center at the age of 84.

Bill was born on February 17, 1942, in Lackawanna, New York, to the late Margaret Orluk. In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Navy and completed training at the Navy’s Hospital Corpsman School in Chicago. He went on to serve as chief ward corpsman aboard the Sanctuary Hospital Ship in Vietnam, where he was regarded as a pioneer in his field. Bill was honorably discharged in 1968.

After returning home, he continued his commitment to service by completing the Physician Assistant Program at Albany Medical Center, following his graduation from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1975. He then began his long and dedicated career with Hudson Headwaters Health Network (HHHN), serving as a Physician Assistant at the Chestertown Health Center. Bill devoted his entire professional life to HHHN, first practicing in the original facility and later continuing his work in the newly constructed health center.

In 1983, Bill was elected Warren County Coroner, a role he fulfilled faithfully for decades, stepping away only when his health began to decline.

A turning point in Bill’s life came at a Hudson Headwaters Christmas party in 1987, where he met his beloved wife, Patti. They were married on August 20, 1989, in Chestertown, New York.

Bill’s dedication to his community extended far beyond his medical and coroner work. He served as president of the North Warren Central School Board and established the Patricia R. Orluk Scholarship in memory of his first wife. In 1988 he was chosen as the VIP of Chestertown, Pottersville, Brant Lake Chamber of Commerce. He was also an active member of the Rotary Club and a lifetime member of the American Legion.

He enjoyed a good Manhattan, loved sports—especially cheering for the Buffalo Bills—and most of all cherished the time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and his beloved dog Molly. Bill’s life was marked by service, loyalty, and a deep faith in God. A devoted Catholic, he lived out his faith with consistency and reverence, never missing an opportunity to attend Mass.

Bill is welcomed into heaven by his mother Margaret Orluk, sister Dorothy Gajkowski; first wife Patricia R. Orluk; niece Geraldine Gajkowski and sister-in-law Daryl Ley.

Left to cherish Bill’s memory are his wife Patti Orluk; sons Tom (Tandi) Orluk, Mark (Jessica) Kuklinski, Drew (Hilary) Kuklinski and Todd (Alissa) Kuklinski; grandchildren Riley Clifford, Madi Clifford, Jaxon Kuklinski, Macyn Kuklinski, Chase Kuklinski, and Dawson Kuklinski; mother-in-law Thelma (Richard) Caulfield; brother-in-law Robert Cooper and family; brother-in- law Gregory (Cathy) Cooper and family; sister-in-law Suzan (Peter) Anderson and family; the late sister-in-law Daryl (Tom) Ley and family; the late wife Patricia’s brother Gary (Judy) Nye; nieces Lyndsey Nye; Peggy (Don) Long; Kim (Pete) Natal; in addition to numerous other family and friends.

Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org or Sisters of Carmel at sistersofcarmel.org

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 4pm – 7pm at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg, NY 12885.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10am with Father Jospeh Busch officiating. Burial for immediate family will follow at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences, guest book and directions.