Staff Report / March 28, 2026
The Village of Watkins Glen is preparing for a somber Saturday as the community gathers to bid a final farewell to its mayor, Laura “Laurie” DeNardo, a lifelong resident and dedicated public servant who passed away on March 24 after a courageous 10-month battle with cancer.
Flags across the village remain at half-staff as residents and regional leaders reflect on the legacy of a woman described as a “visionary leader” with “quiet strength.” DeNardo, 64, died peacefully at her home surrounded by family, marking the end of a career that spanned four decades of professional excellence and nearly a decade of civic leadership.
A Life of Service and Leadership
Born in nearby Montour Falls and raised in Watkins Glen, DeNardo’s professional journey was marked by a steady rise through the ranks. She spent 40 years at Cornell University, beginning at the veterinary school and eventually ascending to the position of Director of Human Resources.
Her transition into local politics began in 2015 when she was elected as a Village Trustee. After serving eight years on the board, she made history in March 2023 when she was sworn in as Mayor. During her tenure, she was lauded for her fiscal expertise and her collaborative approach to governance, notably serving as co-chair of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
“Laurie approached every decision with care, always mindful of the needs of all residents,” Watkins Glen Village Clerk Fred Warrick shared in a tribute. “Her expertise in municipal law and human resources proved invaluable in advancing initiatives that strengthened the village both operationally and fiscally.”
Community Remembrance
The outpouring of grief has extended beyond village limits. Mayors from across the region, including Horseheads Mayor Kevin Adams and Elmira Mayor Daniel Mandel, issued statements praising DeNardo’s dedication and leadership. Montour Falls Mayor James Ryan noted that he would deeply miss her “counsel, friendship, and example.”
Beyond the halls of government, DeNardo was a staple of local life, active in the Watkins Glen Elks, Lions and Moose Clubs, and the Schuyler Health Foundation. Those who knew her personally remember her love for local music, boating on Seneca Lake, and her unwavering devotion to her family—particularly her role as “Nonnie” to her grandchildren, Teddy and Brinlee.
Final Services
The community is invited to honor Mayor DeNardo’s life today, Saturday, March 28. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Seneca Lake Event Center—a location that overlooks the waters of the community she spent her life serving.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to CareFirst NY or the Schuyler County Historical Society in her memory.
Mayor DeNardo is survived by her partner, Robin Burnett; her daughter, Patti DeNardo Beall; her son-in-law, Jeremy; and her two beloved grandchildren. Her legacy remains woven into the fabric of Watkins Glen, a village she led with integrity until her final days.
