BEVERLY: On November 10, 2015, at his home overlooking Beverly Harbor and surrounded by his loving family, Francis P. Story, age 87, passed peacefully from this world.
His death marks the end of a long and memorable life in which he greeted each morning with joyful anticipation and enthusiasm for whatever that day might bring. Fran leaves behind his cherished wife of 67 years, Mae Edith Joslin Story, his faithful dog Millie, and their dear children – Pamela Martell and her husband Jeff of Scituate, Rev. Jane Milaschewski and her husband Bill of Beverly, Steven Story and his wife Suzy of Rowley, Nancy Traicoff and her husband Scott of Beverly, Sally Story and her husband Scott McDowell of Beverly, and son-in-law James Graham of Beverly. He is predeceased by their beloved daughter Cynthia Mae Graham of Beverly. Also pre-deceased by sister Carol Williams of Wenham and brother Lawrence Story of Acton, he is survived by sisters Betty Smith of Methuen and Charlotte Toomey of Barrington, Illinois. Fran was the proud “Grampy” of seventeen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Born in Beverly in 1928, he was the son of Lawrence and Margaret (Lloyd) Story of Beverly. Fran graduated from Beverly High School, class of 1946, where he became an accomplished drummer and member of the band. Fran went on to win state-wide recognition as a jazz drummer, winning the Gene Krupa Award and later developing his own big band orchestra. For years, as the Franny Story Orchestra and later as a member of Lou Marino’s Orchestra, his skilled drumming drove the swing at ballrooms around New England. Although a growing family and a burgeoning career in the insurance industry eventually necessitated he step back from performing, Fran never lost his passion for the magic of music, melody, rhythm and beat.
Frank, as he was known in the business community, was truly a self-made man. At the Holyoke Mutual Insurance Company in Salem, he was hired as a mail boy in 1948 and grew to become President and Director in 1971 and eventually Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in 1989. In conjunction with his career at the Holyoke, Frank served as Director, Chairman, and Member of the Executive Committee of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies; Director of The Insurance Information Institute; Director of Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund; Chairman and Director of the Alliance of American Insurers; and President of the New England 1752 Club. For all of these professional opportunities and for each of the many accomplished men and women that he met and worked with throughout his career, Frank was forever grateful and humbled.
Fran was extremely proud of his North Shore roots. He was fascinated by the history and singular beauty of this area and believed fiercely in its potential. To this purpose, he served as Director of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce; President of the Salem Chamber of Commerce; and Director of The Salem Partnership. Fran was a Corporator and Trustee of Eastern Savings Bank; a Trustee of Salem Hospital; and served as an Advisory Board Member of The Salvation Army. He was on the Board of Directors at the Peabody Essex Institute and, in 1989, was named “Man of the Year” by the Boy Scouts of America.
An avid boater and member of the New England Power Boat Squadron, Captain Frank and his “crew” explored islands off the North Shore coast each summer aboard “Sunkist”. But he had always dreamed of sailing. In 1979, while on vacation in Punta Gorda, Florida, Fran fulfilled this wish by completing a series of intensive sailing courses. Soon after, Fran purchased his much-loved red sailboat “Sunkist II”. On that sailboat, Fran and Mae cruised the Beverly coast, and, for many years later, the warm waters of Charlotte Harbor. In their travels, Fran and Mae discovered the island of Boca Grande – eventually spending winters there in their home on the bayou for the next 24 years. On Boca Grande, Fran truly found his paradise.
In 1990, Frank retired from his many positions to devote the rest of his life to his beloved family and to years of enjoyment with his Mae. He was a happy, fulfilled man with a glorious smile and belief in the power of laughter. He was the consummate gentleman. Fran’s handshake was his word. He will be missed beyond words….
A Celebration of Francis Story’s Life will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Church in the Cove, 167 Hale Street, Beverly. There will be a reception at the church directly following the service. Visiting hours will be held on Monday evening, November 16, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at Grondin Funeral Home, 376 Cabot Street, Beverly. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Fran’s memory to his Church in the Cove, 167 Hale Street, Beverly, MA 01915 or to The Salvation Army, Attn: Development, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021. Interment will be privately held in North Beverly Cemetery.