A lifelong resident of Hudson Falls, Bill is a proud 1968 graduate of Hudson Falls High School. The son of second-generation Greek immigrants, Bill was raised with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for community values—principles that have guided his personal and professional life.
Inspired by his Greek heritage, Bill found an early role model in fellow Greek-American Thomas Chickanis, the legendary Hudson Falls wrestling coach. Under Coach Chickanis’ mentorship, Bill developed the discipline and drive that led him to become a Section II wrestling champion. Later, to honor his late coach and his son, Coach George Chickanis, Bill dedicated eleven seasons as a Hudson Falls assistant varsity wrestling coach. The tenacity learned on the wrestling mat would later become the foundation for his career as a trial lawyer, where he has spent decades protecting the underdog in courtrooms across New York State.
The first in his family to attend college, Bill earned a degree in political science from Colgate University in 1972. He then pursued his legal education at Albany Law School. After graduating and being admitted to the Bar in 1976, Bill decided to return to his hometown to establish his practice. His love of government and public service soon led to his election as Kingsbury Town Supervisor, a position he held from 1982 to 1987. Today, Bill continues to serve his community as municipal attorney for the Village of Hudson Falls, the Town of Fort Edward, and the Village of South Glens Falls.
Throughout his career, one constant has remained: Bill’s gratitude to his community. He has always sought ways to give back, to instill pride in Hudson Falls, and to strengthen its shared sense of identity and optimism. In 2016, he founded “Phoenix Rising-Project Hudson Falls Inc.”, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to revitalizing and supporting the community. He has also been a driving force behind the preservation and restoration of historic downtown landmarks threatened by blight or demolition, including the Sandy Hill Arts Center, the Community National Bank of Sandy Hill, and Griffin Hall.
Bill is the proud father of two sons, both Hudson Falls graduates, and six special grandchildren. Son Luke is now a trial lawyer with the international law firm Quinn Emanuel, and son Alex serves as a professional firefighter and EMT/Paramedic with the City of Glens Falls. Both continue their father’s legacy of service to the community.
For Bill, selection to the HFCSD Wall of Distinction is a deeply meaningful honor. To be recognized alongside so many remarkable inductees he has admired over the years is, in his words, “an honor that will never be forgotten.”