Richard Steven Malaby died on Feb. 11, 2025 from complications of influenza. He spent his final hours at home with his beloved wife, Liz.

Rich was born at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital on Aug. 16, 1951, to Richard Leon Malaby and Sarah Eleanor Bell Malaby.

From a young age, it was clear that Rich was exceptionally gifted as a scholar and athlete. A natural on the field, he particularly excelled at baseball. Equally at home in the classroom, he was an insatiable reader—so much so that as a child, he would read under the covers with a flashlight long after bedtime, lost in the adventures of books. Although versed in classic literature and history, there's no doubt that mystery novels were his favorite.

Rich graduated with honors from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York and University of Michigan. He later earned a master’s degree from Michigan State University, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He worked in many restaurants to pay for his education and his love of cooking grew into a dream of running his own business.

In 1980, while working at a restaurant in Washington, D.C., he came across a Wall Street Journal advertisement for an old inn for sale in Maine. Despite never having been to Maine, having no money, and no experience in innkeeping, he made the trip to see it. The owner, renowned painter Bill Moise, was skeptical of this young man, but Rich’s persistence and charm won him over. That leap of faith turned into his life’s work, and over the next 42 years, Rich made the Crocker House Country Inn in Hancock Point the heart of the community. He transformed the Crocker House into a beloved gathering place, welcoming guests from near and far. He catered thousands of celebrations: weddings, memorials, birthday parties, and approached each with care and humor. As an innkeeper, he wore many hats, learning and applying the skills of an electrician, plumber, and carpenter along the way.

In May 1984, Rich married the love of his life, Elizabeth Holdsworth. Last spring, they celebrated 40 years of marriage. Their love was full of laughter and was a true partnership. Together, they raised three children—Richard, Will, and Megan—whom Rich loved deeply and who knew him as the greatest dad imaginable.

Despite the demands of running an inn, he made time to serve his community—serving as Chair of Maine Coast Memorial Hospital and serving on the Hancock School Board. Later, he was elected to the Maine House of Representatives, where he served two terms and was a member of the state's Health and Human Services Committee. There, he drafted legislation advocating for improvements in mental health care. He also shared his love of learning as an adjunct college professor.

In 2022, Rich and his family moved to Wiscasset, where he quickly became part of the fabric of the community. He made friends wherever he went and dedicated himself to causes he cared about, serving on Wiscasset’s Economic Development Committee and championing fundraising efforts at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.

Rich’s interests were vast, and his energy seemed limitless. He experienced more adventure through books than most do in a lifetime and was always ready to give a recommendation. Many of the delicious meals Rich cooked at home had to be enjoyed at the kitchen counter, as the dining table was almost always home to a puzzle in progress. Rich loved being a member of the Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta, where he enjoyed seeing both classic films and new releases, always appreciating the magic of the movies. He had impeccable taste in music. The kitchen at the Crocker House was his DJ booth, where he played everything from Motown to rock to folk. He was a devoted sports fan. A gifted athlete in his prime, he had been scouted as a prospect of the New York Mets and played on their Triple-A team. Although an injury ended his ambitions of a baseball career, he still loved the game and inevitably became a Red Sox fan. But his favorite teams to watch were the Philadelphia Flyers and the Philadelphia Eagles—who, in perfect timing, thrilled him in his final days by winning another Super Bowl. 

Rich was predeceased by his parents, his eldest brother Jack, and his infant sister Eve. He is survived by his wife, Liz; their three children, Richard, Will, and Megan; his daughter-in-law Karalyn Forte; his two beloved grandchildren, Annie and Natalie, who adored their Pop Pop; and son-in-law Nick Cook. He also leaves behind his four siblings: Linda Baird; Robert Malaby and his wife, Cori Leavitt; Brenda Malaby Lawn and her husband, Scott Lawn; and Guy Malaby and his wife, Mary Lynn Farren. Rich will be deeply missed by his family, including his siblings, children, and grandchildren, as well as his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and a wide circle of friends.

He was kind, generous, smart, and funny, and his passing leaves a void that can never be filled in the hearts of those who love him. He will be remembered fondly as a character with many friends, many irons on the fire, and a man who, above all, loved his family and worked to provide the best for all those he shared a table with.

A memorial service will be held this spring to celebrate Rich's life.  If you would like to honor Rich’s memory, please consider making a gift to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 12 Hodge St, Wiscasset, ME 04578.