AUGUSTA – Malcolm John Leary, 72, longtime broadcast journalist who retired in 2021 after a 45-year career, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023 in Augusta following a brief illness.

Mal was born in Bangor on Oct. 7, 1950 to Arthur L. and Gunilla M. (Bennoch) Leary. He was a graduate of Orono High School and attended the University of Maine.

On March 31, 1973, he married Susan A. McAvoy and they moved to Augusta in 1975 from the Bangor area.

Mal loved to read and play military strategy video games. Hiking and mountain climbing were passions having climbed Mt. Katadin several times. The ocean was a place for serenity for Mal especially Key West. He appreciated nature and all its wonder.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was also very devoted to his cats.

Mal was known for his no nonsense and common sense approach to life as well as delivery the news to the people of Maine. His last position was a political correspondent covering for Maine Public Radio. Mal also covered state politics for newspapers, radio and TV, and also ran his own news service.

In an article published in June of 2021 covering his retirement, reporter Ray Routhier noted that Mal was “noted for providing fair and balanced coverage, and for covering issues crucial to Mainers even when they didn’t produce the most sensational stories.”

His family describe him as having a wry and dry sense of humor with a big booming stentorian personality.

He was predeceased by his parents; and siblings, Harold, Phyllis, Roger, John, Paul, Ramona, and Ruth.

Surviving besides his wife, Susan of Augusta, are two daughters, Catherine Mazur and her husband, Christopher, their children, Julie Mazur and Cassandra (Callum) Mazur; Kandise Yenco and her family; his sister, Maxine Lane, sister-in-law, Mary Wisham and brother-in-law, John McAvoy.

Visiting hours will be Thursday, May 25 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 26 at the funeral home.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

As we say goodbye to our beloved Malcolm, we remember his distinguishing voice…”This is Mal Leary reporting.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:

PALS No-Kill Cat Shelter

188 Case Rd.

Winthrop, ME 04364

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