Watkins Glen Mayor Laura “Laurie” Specchio DeNardo died March 24 at her home. She was 64.
DeNardo had served as mayor since April 2023 after eight years as a trustee on the Watkins Glen Village Board.
A lifelong resident of Watkins Glen, she spent 40 years at Cornell University, where she worked her way up to become director of human resources.
She also served on several local boards, including Watkins Glen Promotions and the Schuyler Health Foundation, and was co-chair of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
DeNardo was born Nov. 28, 1961, in Montour Falls to Barbara Lee and Theodore Specchio.
She is survived by her daughter, Patti DeNardo Beall, her partner Robin Burnett, and her grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held March 28 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Watkins Glen, followed by a gathering at the Seneca Lake Event Center.
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