Joseph F. Oswald, age 82, of Montour Falls, NY, passed away on March 1, 2026. Joe was born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 25, 1943, the son of the late Frank X. Oswald and Ruth (Gorman) Oswald. He worked as a Direct Support Professional for the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities in Watkins Glen. Joe honorably served in the United States Navy from 1961-1966, completing two tours in Vietnam. Joe enjoyed simple things in life like reading, writing and sharing his poetry, and especially gardening. Preceding him in death are his parents; and three of his siblings, Betty Kordell, Jim Oswald and Mary Ekstrom, and his beloved dog, Makayla. He is survived by his son, Matthew T. Oswald of Rochester; brother John M. (Camelia) Oswald of Bradford; sister Ann Oswald of Florida, Elizabeth (Ric) Pollock of Maryland; sister-in-law, Lore Oswald of North Carolina; and grandson, Elias and Benjamin Oswald. A Memorial Service will be held at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St. on Saturday (March 14th) at 12noon. There are no prior visiting hours. Condolences may be offered to the family in his guestbook at www.RoyceChedzoy.com

Joyce L. Switzer, age 81, of Reading Center, NY, passed away February 22, 2026. Joyce was born in Montour Falls on October 5, 1944. She was a lifelong resident of Reading Center and the Reading Community Church. Joyce was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, James H. Switzer, Sr. in June 2025. She is survived by two sons, James H. Switzer Jr. (wife Gen Switzer) of Candor, and Ken Switzer of Rock Stream; four grandchildren, Christopher Switzer, Cindy (Josh) Briggs, Courtney Switzer, and Clifford (Danielle) Switzer; three great-grandchildren, Loren, Layla, and Liam Switzer; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. According to her wishes there are no services. She was laid to rest with her husband at Pleasant View Cemetery in Reading Center. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are with Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.

Gabriel John Santos, of Hector, New York, left this world on February 22, 2026, at just 21 years of age. His passing was sudden, and our hearts are profoundly saddened. We share this not only with deep grief but also with gratitude for the joy and light he brought into our lives. His love, laughter, and spirit remain woven into us forever. Gabriel is survived by his loving family: parents Allison and John Santos and brother Jude Santos; grandmothers Susan Hazlitt of Hector, NY, and Dorothea Santos of Auburndale, MA; aunts and uncles, Andra Moffett (Marijn) Dekkers, Timothy (Wendy) Moffett, Diane Noecker (Parrish), Alyce (Lee) Coffey, Rob Merletti, Mark Merletti, Kathy (Matt) Licata; cousins; Jacob and Samantha Moffett, Theodore and William Coffey, Marina, Stephanie and Alexandra Dekkers, Matthew Licata, Lucca and Milan Merletti, Grace and Phebe Wickham, the Hazlitt family; Eric (Tina)Hazlitt, Kristi Hazlitt, Jason (Rose) and Zephyr Hazlitt, and Erin (Brian) Hanley, Ryan and Austin Hazlitt; Santos family; Gerda and Heidi Seufert of FL, Linda Marcantonio(Tony) of NJ; and the Leach and Swanson families of Excelsior, MN. He is predeceased by grandparents: Bill and Hope Moffett of NY, Dr. George P Santos of MA, and Jim Hazlitt of NY. A 2023 graduate of New Roots Charter School in Ithaca, NY; Gabe was never happier when sharing laughter with his friends exploring the wilds of Ithaca, especially 6 Mile Creek and Fall Creek. He loved being the center of attention; the daredevil clown who could warm a room in seconds and draw laughter from everyone around him. People were instantly taken by his infectious smile, his big, bright blue eyes, and that unmistakable unibrow! His intrepid spirit shone in activities of single-track/mountain biking, running, diving, climbing, cliff jumping, and most especially downhill and telemark skiing. He lived to push the limits of gravity, speed, and freedom. His graceful form on the hill was poetry in motion. Many joyful memories were made with friends and family, traversing East Coast ski mountains in search of the next epic run. Summers too were special, as countless hours were spent with family on Seneca Lake, swimming, laughing, and celebrating the joy of this life together. Gabe showed a tender, curious heart toward all of Earth's offerings. He had an affinity for the numerous farm animals he helped raise under his mom's wing, but especially the goat kids he helped birth, the pigs whose bellies he loved to rub, and his border collie, Isis, whom he took to the New York State fair for an agility competition. In his later years, he took up gardening and an interest in viticulture. He began exploring his family’s passion for winemaking under the mentorship of Alexandra Bond at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards and Vagabond Wines, where he found purpose and joy in the craft. Our time with Gabe was cut short, but the fearless, authentic spirit he showed us will always remain to guide us. We live forward in the stories we tell, the mountains we ski, the flowers we share, the music we vibe to, the homegrown food we eat, and the wine we drink, when together. A celebration of life is planned for May 2, 2026, at the Curry Creek Farm, 6088 Beckhorn Road in Hector, NY. The Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Hayley J. Scholtisek, age 48, of Watkins Glen, passed away February 12, 2026 at Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls. Hayley was born on September 27, 1977, the daughter of Henry and Dorothy Scholtisek. She was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her brothers and sister, Melissa (Robert) Teed of Reading Center, Michael (Teresa) Scholtisek of Trumansburg, and Eric (Amy) Scholtisek of Watkins Glen; aunts, Deb Ribble (Jim), and Beverly Naylor; niece, Allison Teed; and nephews, Regan Scholtisek, Owen Scholtisek, and Jaydon Scholtisek. Hayley made many lasting friendships along her journey. She loved her family and spending every holiday together. Hayley survived many challenges with a smile and a positive attitude, always telling everyone “I’m good”. She had the sweetest soul with a heart and smile as big as the sky. Hayley was Reba McEntire’s #1 fan, enjoying her music, tv shows and concerts. Hayley enjoyed shopping, dinners out and spending time with friends and family. The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen on Friday (Feb. 20th) from 11am-1pm; followed by a funeral service at 1pm at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at Lakeview Cemetery in Watkins Glen. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler or a charity of one’s choice. You may express condolences to the family or “Light a Candle of Remembrance” online at www.RoyceChedzoy.com.

Tracie H. McIlroy, age 68, of Watkins Glen, passed away unexpectedly February 6, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Tracie was born on August 19, 1957 in Poughkeepsie, NY, the daughter of Roger and Kathryn Herrick. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Richard McIlroy, her sister Lee Herrick, and her brothers Michael and Greg Herrick. Tracie is survived by her daughter Keri (Jesse) Schubmehl; sons, Philip (Alicia) McIlroy and Alan (Amelia) McIlroy; grandchildren, Isaac (Dayna), Lucas, Lydia, Graham, Darren, Levon, Evelyn, and Baby McIlroy arriving in May; brother, Scott Herrick; sister-in-law, Cathy Herrick; brothers-in-law, Tom (Fay) McIlroy and Bob (Wannetta) McIlroy; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and an abundance of good friends. In honoring Tracie’s wishes, there will be no formal services. It was her desire to have a ‘big party’, therefore, a Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 4-7pm at Scale House Brewery, 5930 State Route 414, Hector NY. Tracie leaves behind a legacy of hard work, giving, and supporting the youth of our community. Those wishing may consider a donation in her memory to Watkins Glen Sports Booster Club (303 12th Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891), Glen Gators Swim Team (P.O. Box 614, Montour Falls, NY 14865), or Schuyler County Youth Baseball and Softball (P.O. Box 309, Watkins Glen, NY 14891). Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in her obituary at www.RoyceChedzoy.com The Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting the family.

Leone Ruth Bedient Dolliver, age 71, of Watkins Glen passed away January 17, 2026. Leone was born in western Allegany County in Cuba, NY, the fourth daughter of nine children to Stanley and Ruth Bedient. Her career followed a path of compassion and caring for others as a private home health care giver. Her belief was that while she never did anything spectacular, or made a lot of money, she touched the lives of people when they most needed it, including keeping small children safe after school, dressing, feeding, caring, comforting so many souls, and making a difference in their lives. She hopes to be remembered for that deed. She was predeceased by her parents, a brother, Brian Bedient, and a grandson, Camden German She is survived by three daughters, Corey Dolliver, Sara (Daniel) German, and Katie Dolliver. She is also survived by her siblings: Jeanine (Ron) Watson, Sharon (Jim) Carpenter, Cynthia Bedient (Ellie Ward), Stephen (Debra) Bedient, Khristine Bedient, Betty Lou Bedient and Emilie Bedient; grandchildren that meant the world to her, Alexis Dolliver, Ryan Ames, Olivia Ames, Natalie Cagle, Allyson Cornish, Hannah Ball, Tyler Ball, Emily Ball, Cody Ball, Colby German, Keegan German, Kayleigh German, and Ciara German; and one great-grandson, Jordan Kade Jennings; and best friend, Linda Frazier. The Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family in her guestbook at www.RoyceChedzoy.com