Our Heritage

Our funeral home was founded in 1906, by brothers Elmo and Gail Royce.  The original photograph of them is viewable in our Arrangement Center, atop a glass windowed horse drawn carriage in the local Glenwood Cemetery.  The business originally began as Royce Brothers and later to Royce Furniture and Undertaking, upon the departure of Gail Royce to California to unknown ailments.  The original building that still bears his last name on a sign high above, is located at 313 N. Franklin Street in Watkins Glen.

My grandfather, the late Ernest Chedzoy, began working for Elmo Royce in 1947.  My grandfather, a Welsh immigrant to this county at the age of 18 by himself, is fondly remembered by many people in this community as a true "Welsh Gentleman."

My father was the second generation of our family to continue in the business, starting in 1965 and only recently retiring.  He originally managed the Horton Funeral Home in Odessa until the death of Elmo Royce in 1968.  His more than 40 years of dedication to this profession has touched numerous families served in this community.

I am the third generation to continue the highly regarded reputation of caring service by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home.  I was raised in the shadows of my grandfather and dad.  So, I have learned from the best.  More than 18 years have passed since I started, but I was raised in this community and I have always cared a great deal about and the families which live here.  It would be my honor to assist your family when the hardest time of your life is faced with a loss of a loved one.    
 
I promise that our staff will be here for you to help with your needs.  And, we will work to exceed your expectations.

Sincerely, 
Kyle Chedzoy-President
(Licensed Funeral Director)

We are an Independent and Family Owned Funeral Home