Sebec - David Brian Mallett, 73, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 17, 2024, after a long and hard-fought battle against cancer. Born to Pauline (Towne) and Aubrey Mallett in Sebec in 1951 as the youngest of five brothers, David was proud of his family’s long heritage in Piscataquis County. After marrying the love of his life, Jayne Lello, David spent nine years in Nashville, Tennessee before returning home to raise his children on the family farm. A celebrated singer and songwriter, David’s songs were recorded by hundreds of artists and enjoyed by countless people around the world. Perhaps best known for his authorship of the folk standard “The Garden Song,” David was named one of the “Memorable Mainers of the 20th Century” by the Bangor Daily News, received an honorary Ph.D. from the University of Maine for his contributions to Maine culture, and was embraced as an equal by many of the world’s great folk singers. Aside from his many accomplishments throughout a 60-plus-year musical career, David will be most remembered by his family as a fiercely loving, proud and supportive husband, father, and grandfather. David is survived by his wife, Jayne Lello; Luke Mallett and his wife, Carissa; Will Mallett, his wife Sarah and their daughter Isla; Molly Mallett, her husband Blake and their son Max; and Gina MacVane; brothers Aubrey Mallett and his wife Doreen, and Neil Mallett and his wife Patsy; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Karl, and Duane. “Man is made of dreams and bones.” He was dearly loved. A time of visitation for family, friends, and the local community will be held 4-7PM Monday, December 30, 2024, at the Lary Funeral Home, 62 Summer Street, Dover-Foxcroft. A celebration of David’s life will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center Theatre for the David Mallett Live Music Fund, 20 East Main St. Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 or at their website centertheatre.org. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.