Vero Beach has lost a prominent voice and a dedicated guardian of its civic identity. Ray McNulty, the veteran journalist known widely for his “My Vero” column in the Vero Beach 32963 weekly newspaper, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He was 67 years old.
According to reports, McNulty died following a brief but devastating illness. A fixture in Indian River County media, McNulty spent the last 12 years of his distinguished career at Vero Beach 32963, where his work became essential reading for residents concerned with the preservation of the community’s unique character.
A Legacy of uncompromising Journalism
McNulty was celebrated not just for his tenure but for the quality of his discourse. Milton R. Benjamin, President and Publisher of 32963 Media, described McNulty as a “giant of journalism on the local scene.” Benjamin noted that McNulty was the only reporter he actively recruited from the rival Press Journal, a move that shifted the landscape of local news.
“It was exactly 12 years ago that Ray McNulty joined the 32963 team and began writing a column that, week after week, distinguished the community’s newspaper. He was the only real journalist working at the Press Journal and the only person there I ever approached about joining us… It was a defining moment for journalism in Indian River County.”
McNulty’s approach to local news was defined by his “breezy style” and an unwavering commitment to facts. He was known for being scrupulously accurate and fearless when confronting powerful figures. His columns often focused on protecting Vero Beach’s “cherished small-town feel” from outside agitators attempting to import national culture wars into the local dialogue.
Over the years, McNulty provided critical, detailed coverage on major local developments, including:
From Brooklyn to the Big Leagues
While McNulty was a fierce advocate for Vero Beach, his journalistic roots were planted in major national markets. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised on Long Island, his career began at age 11 as a paperboy for the New York Daily News. He graduated from Washington & Lee University in 1980 with a double major in Journalism and Sociology.
Before settling permanently in Vero Beach, McNulty built an impressive resume as a sportswriter and columnist. His career took him across the country, covering some of the biggest teams and events in sports history, including the Summer and Winter Olympics, the World Series, and the Super Bowl. His notable career stops included:
Despite his knee replacements, McNulty remained an active participant in the sports world he chronicled, becoming a formidable tennis player at the local Boulevard Tennis Club.
A Community in Mourning
Ray McNulty is survived by his wife, Kathy, a local attorney; two adult daughters; one granddaughter; and two stepsons. At the time of this report, funeral arrangements were still incomplete.
Milton Benjamin summed up the impact of McNulty’s work on the region:
“Ray McNulty more than exceeded my expectations, and Vero Beach is a far better place today for his literate contributions to the civic discourse.”
As the community reflects on his contributions, McNulty will be remembered as a reporter who highlighted the best of Vero Beach while remaining vigilant against anything that threatened to diminish it.
