Wallace Joseph Orlowsky Ph.D.

Wallace Joseph Orlowsky, 86, of Freehold passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Known as Wally to all who loved him, he was born in Rochester, NY and lived in Webster, NY, New York City, and Paterson before settling in Freehold in 1970.
He attended seminary from middle school through his sophomore year of college before enrolling at St. John Fisher University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in sociology. After earning his master's degree and Ph. D. in clinical psychology at Fordham University, Wally completed two years of post-graduate work at the Psychology Institute of New York, conducting research and experiments in the field. He worked as a professor at City University of New York in Staten Island, where he taught experimental psychology, calculus, and statistics for over 40 years before retiring in 2007.
Additionally, Wally was a businessman; he was the owner and general manager of The Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscape Service from 1979 to 2001.
A lifelong learner, he expanded his understanding of the world around him through travel. In the company of his wife, Sallie, Wally visited every continent. Some of his favorite travel destinations included China, Russia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Australia. Wally was an avid bird watcher who enjoyed photography and compiled several books of his photos of wildlife. In addition to his photography books, Wally co-authored two children's books titled Who Will Clean the Air? and Who Will Wash the River?
He had a green thumb and spent hours in his garden, tending to the natural beauty around him. A gifted landscaper, Wally took great pride in constructing and caring for his backyard koi pond. He loved technology and was excellent at navigating new computer programs and softwares. Wally enjoyed playing tennis and bowling with neighbors and friends.
Wally is predeceased by his granddaughter, Kayla.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Sallie; his children, Brian Orlowsky of Ruthton, MN, Christopher Orlowsky and his wife, Susan of Bayville, Jonathan Orlowsky and his wife, Suni of Howell, and Sallie Ann Nielsen and her husband, Paul of Ruthton, MN; his grandchildren, Jennifer, Tom, Randy and his wife, Grace, Andrew and his wife, Anna, Matthew, Nicole, Gavin, Henry, and Natalie; his great-grandson, Ryder; his siblings Ann Deisenroth and her husband, Skip, Joan Lincoln and her husband, Jim, and Donnie Orlowsky and his wife, Mary; and many nieces, nephews, and longtime friends.
A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Higgins Memorial Home. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Wally's name may be made by mail or online to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.higginsmemorialhome.com