Longtime Maine Public Radio journalist Mal Leary died at 72

May 21—Longtime Maine Public Radio political journalist Mal Leary died Saturday according to his wife Susan Leary. He was 72.

"He died last night at 10:30," said Leary on Sunday. The primary cause of his death was heart failure, she said.

Leary, of Augusta, had been suffering from heart complications. "His health was failing," his wife said. He was moved from a hospital to hospice on Saturday evening. He died six hours later, his wife said.

Leary covered state politics for decades, reporting for newspapers, radio, and TV, and also ran his own news service. Generations of Mainers can easily identify his no-nonsense style of reporting. He retired in 2021 from Maine Public Radio after a 45-year career.

Leary was dedicated to covering Maine politics. "He brought a lot of work home with him. During the legislative session he wasn't home a whole lot, just long enough to change and fall into bed," she said. "He was honest. He had high standards and extremely strong morals." He was a tough reporter, she said, but added there was another side of him.

"I saw the tender side, the man who kissed his kittens," she said.

The couple celebrated their 50th anniversary in March, Susan said. "I truly think he waited before going to have our anniversary, to be here for my birthday on April 26."

Gov. Janet Mills and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released statements, praising Leary following news of his death.

"Mal was a legend in Maine's press corps, always chasing the details and stories behind the bills moving through the state house and Congress. He knew the history of Maine politics as few ever have or ever will. He was also a talented outdoorsman who climbed Katahdin's terrifying Knife Edge Trail dozens of times," Pingree said in a Facebook post. "His beloved wife, children, and former colleagues are in my thoughts. As one of the best-known voices on Maine's airwaves, Mal will be missed by all his long-time listeners."

In a statement, Gov. Janet Mills said she was deeply saddened to learn of his passing.

"For nearly 50 years, the so-called Dean of the State House press corps utilized his unparalleled grasp of policy, procedure, and personalities to inform and help Maine people understand what was happening in Augusta and Washington, D.C.," Mills said. "Mal earned the respect and admiration of readers, listeners, fellow journalists and politicians of all stripes for his tough but fair questions, his balanced reporting and his unrivaled institutional knowledge."

Beyond the State House, Leary was a good person who cared about people and his state, Mills said. "Maine has lost a giant of journalism and a dear friend."

This story will be updated.