Royalton, Illinois Native and Former Baseball Player, Albert Orlandini, 92 Passes Away, Leaving Behind His Two Children and Whole Family

Albert was lettered in baseball, basketball, and track at high school.

August 25, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 25, 2026

Albert Orlandini, an army veteran and former standout multi-athlete, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2026, at the age of 92.

Family members announced the news of his death through a social media post.

passed away peacefully at his home in Terre Haute, Indiana, surrounded by his family.

Born on November 1, 1932, in Royalton, Illinois, Albert Orlandini touched the lives of many with his amazing athletic journey and his service to the country in the Army.

He played multiple sports, including baseball, basketball, and track, while attending Royalton High School, from which he graduated in 1950.

Albert also led his high school team in several victories and contributed to the sports community.

Furthermore, after graduating from Royalton High School, Albert proudly served in the United States Navy in the Korean War and the U.S. Army before returning to Indiana.

He further began his career as a coal miner in Indiana and worked for decades with Ziegler Coal Mine as a mine safety inspector at the Murdock Coal Mine near Tuscola, Illinois.

Albert also worked as a financial secretary for UMWA Local 8682 for years.

Although Albert didn’t pursue his career in sports, he didn’t miss a chance to guide youth athletes.

Albert was a dedicated life member of Riley American Legion Post 328, where he volunteered tirelessly and served as a driving force behind many post events, including programs supporting local youth baseball.

He was also a life member of Lawton Byrum VFW Post 972, actively contributing to veteran and community initiatives, while helping mentor and promote baseball opportunities for young athletes in the area.

Albert Orlandini is Survived By His Children, GrandChildren, Great-Grandchildren, and the Whole Family

The former baseball star, Albert Orlandini, was a proud father of two kids, a son named Bob Orlandini and a daughter named Cynthia Gurchiek Orlandini, whom he shared with his late wife, Betty Jean Orlandini.

He was also a great-grandfather to his two grandchildren, Jacob Orlandini and Tina Gurchiek Hannigan, and three great-grandchildren, Kelsi Palmquist, Zoi Jo-Jean Palmquist, and Robert Joseph ‘R.J.’ Hannigan.

In addition to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Albert Orlandini is survived by his son-in-law, Kevin Gurchiek, daughter-in-law, Susan Duncan Orlandini, grandson-in-law, Nicholas Hannigan, and the whole family.

Albert Orlandini was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Betty Jean Orlandini, his parents, Pete and Stella, his granddaughter, Amanda Jo Gurchiek, four sisters, and two brothers.

His family has organized a memorial service for the late Albert on Friday, August 29, 2026, at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Homes.

A Funeral Ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Albert Orlandini will be laid to rest with military honors next to his wife, Betty, in Calvary Cemetery.
• He was a long-time member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.

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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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