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February 11

Boston TV, radio host Maynard dies at 82

The Associated Press

BOSTON - Dave Maynard, a Boston radio and television personality for nearly five decades, has died at age 82.

Maynard's death was announced Thursday by WBZ-TV and WBZ-AM radio, where he was the host of long-running programs.

WBZ-AM aired an interview with Maynard's son, Mike, who said his father died in Citrus Hills, Fla., after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Maynard hosted "Community Auditions," an amateur talent show, on WBZ-TV for 21 years beginning in 1965. He began WBZ-AM's morning show, "Maynard in the Morning" in 1980. He retired in 1991.

Gary LaPierre, who retired from WBZ-AM's morning anchor job in 2006 after four decades at the station, said in an on-air interview with WBZ Thursday night, "We've lost a good friend here in the business and I've lost a teacher, a mentor and a friend in Dave Maynard."

Longtime WBZ sportscaster Gil Santos, known as the voice of the New England Patriots, worked with both men for decades before retiring in 2009. He also recalled Maynard's humor and generosity. "It wasn't work; we were just having fun," he told WBZ.

Maynard was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2009.

His biography on the Hall's website quotes him as saying, "I loved the rapport that I had with my listeners. Many became like family."

Maynard, who originated WBZ-AM's "Phantom Gourmet" show, showcased listeners' recipes in one of three cookbooks he wrote.

He was known for his fundraising campaigns for Children's Hospital in Boston and medical charities.

A native of Larchmont, N.Y., Maynard had a bachelor's degree from Emerson College and a master's from Boston University, where he taught for 17 years.

He is survived by his wife, six children and nine grandchildren.

 

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