Azalea pest/disease? Spotty leaves, bare branches

In the house I moved into there are 3 harshly whacked azaleas by the door. They are stressed, to say the least, and the pix show spotted leaves and bare branches below the top few leaves. Can anyone tell me if it's a pest or disease, or just stress from the harsh cut-back? Also, if it's a pest/disease, any suggestions on an environmentally safe control? Insecticidal soap? One of the varieties doesn't seem to be as affected as the other 2, (less leaf dropping), and the neighbor's plants show signs of the spotty leaves, also, but less leaf drop.

 

Probably mild (powdery) mildew. Treat with fungicidal soap.