Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Story Obituary
John was a career military man with 36 years of service. He joined the Air National Guard in 1966. He proudly served his country with two deployments during the Persian Gulf War and refueling operations over ground zero after Sept. 11. John flew from the back seat of the F-101 fighter jets for several years and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2002 as a navigator on the KC-135 tankers with the Maineiacs Air Refueling Wing in Bangor.
On July 29, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Colleen Kittredge. In 1978, John and Colleen moved to Hampden, where they raised their two daughters, Shelley and Mariann. Hampden is where their family continued to grow, with the addition of four grandchildren. Papa was so proud of Courtney, Tyler, Maddison and Emily. He rarely missed a concert, dance recital or sporting event. Anyone who knew John was aware that he had two passions, his family and the game of golf. Some of his fondest memories were undoubtedly watching his grandson, Tyler, develop a love for the game.
John is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Colleen, of Hampden; two daughters, Shelley K. Foster of Winthrop and Mariann L. Willey and husband Robert of Carmel; four grandchildren, Courtney Foster, Tyler John Foster, Maddison Willey and Emily Willey; son-in-law Scott Foster; his mother-in-law, Cathryn Kittredge, of Waterville; brothers- and sisters-in-law Paul and Kathie Drouin, Dan and Kim Quirion, and Mike and Gayla Cassidy; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. John was predeceased by his parents; and two sisters, Mary Mathieu and Anne Tesseo.
Family and friends may visit 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, where a funeral service will be held 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 19, 2010. Interment will occur at Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Bangor Humane Society, 693 B, Mount Hope Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Story
Bb Brooks
November 15, 2021
John, or Johnny as I knew him, and I grew up in Winslow together. Johnny, Eddie Ouellette, and I were good buddies all through grade school and high school. We were all "walkers" that attended Boston Avenue grade school (near Johnny's house) and Winslow High School (near my house). I have many fond memories of those early days together. We spent school nights shoveling and flooding the skating rink at my house and drinking coffee like "big guys". When we were both around 12 and life was changing, we snuck our first shave at my house using my older brothers razor. Then raced down Choate street on our bicycles with a warm breeze on our fresh shaven faces and another right of passage behind. February vacations in high school were times when our gang of buddies all spent the week at my parents isolated summer cottage in the woods of Stockton Springs, with our guns and on the hunt for anything that moved or flew that we could shoot and put into the "pot". You could always tell where Johnny was in the woods by the number of rounds going off! Johnny was always bigger than life and in a hurry to get on with living. Like everything else he did, he was "all in". While life was short for my friend, he came into our lives with a rush and left us with special memories .... thank you for mine! We will meet another day and memories will begin anew. Rest peacefully until that day. Bob Brooks
David Poll
December 3, 2010
Dear Marianne,
I recently heard from my parents that still live on the Mayo Road of your father's passing. I had just seen him the week before out getting the mail and wish I had stopped. I'm deaply sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family. You Dad's smile will be dearly missed.
Sincerely, David Poll & Family
Denny Wallace
December 3, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a good friend at "Penoby". So enjoyed comparing weather radar predictions with him! As usual his eternal optimism always shined thru. "Oh don't worry we'll get it in". We'll miss you "pard".
Aj Corson
November 28, 2010
Colleen & Family:
I was saddened to learn that John recently passed away and extend my condolences to you and your family. John was a real gentleman as well as a thorough and professional airman who knew his job and executed well in the best "Maineiac" tradition. When the mission was accomplished he as well knew how to kick back and have fun with the crew. Many fond memories.
May he rest in peace.
November 24, 2010
Dear Colleen,
We are so saddened to learn of John's passing. He was a great childhood and high school friend and partner. He will always be part of great memories of those times.
May the pain of his passing be softened over time by the wonderful memories. Our sincere sympathies and condolences.
Love
November 22, 2010
Colleen, so sorry for your lost.
Sondra "Soni" Lawrence
Vinal & Carol Smith
November 21, 2010
Dear Colleen & family,
Our condolences are with you at this difficult time. Vinal shared John's passion for golf and has told me what a super human being he was. I hope the support of good friends and family will be of great comfort to you in the days ahead.
Carol & Vinal
Angela Andrade
November 20, 2010
I had the pleasure of calling John Story my Uncle.
He was my Dads bestman, friend and golf buddy.
He was a constant source of support for our ENTIRE family.
He stood strong by my Dad when he had to say goodbye to Pepere and for that I will be forever grateful!!
He will live FOREVER in my heart.
Auntie, Shelley and Mari....I love you all so very much.
Anjie (Lowe) Soucy
November 19, 2010
Colleen, Shelley, and Mariann,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad & Husband. I always remember the smile on his face and his gracious manner. I truly hope you can find some peace and comfort in one another. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Christine Johnson
November 19, 2010
My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with you and your family. I had the honor of working with John at the Base. He will be sadly missed.
Joan Rollins
November 19, 2010
Colleen, My thoughts and prayer are with you and the family....May God give you peace and calm to walk each new day ahead...
Rodney & Judy Hanscom
November 18, 2010
Colleen:
Over the course of 25 years of membership at Penobscot Valley Country Club, I've been saddened by the passing of many golfing buddies -- but not to the extent I'm feeling today.
It was a pleasure to have competed with and against John over the years, and he will be deeply missed by all of us who were privileged to have enjoyed his company, particularly on Wednesdays for Twilight League. He was a true gentleman, and others will also attest that, during a round of golf with him, we heard more about you, your daughters and the grandkids than you'd ever believe. He enjoyed his golf, but he positively beamed when he had the opportunity to tell of family exploits. There will be a huge void at "his" dining room table Wednesday nights.
Judy and I extend our sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Doug & Anita Higgins
November 18, 2010
Dear Colleen and Family,
We are sadden and shocked to learn about John. He was a wonderful person and we enjoyed the time we spent with him. We are grateful that we got to have dinner with John and friends at the Muddy Rudder. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Sound Adjutant's Call. John will be missed on the first tee and at the nineteenth hole.
Eryn Leavitt Hersey
November 18, 2010
Colleen and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You were a beautiful couple. John was a great man and I really enjoyed seeing him every year at the MODA Golf Tournaments. He will be greatly missed. We will be praying for you and your family.
Ed & Sue St Heart
November 18, 2010
Dear Colleen & Family, it was with great sadness when I received the call from "Hawk" of John passing. John was a great friend and one we will remember forever. We are so thankful for being able to dine with him before we left Maine. Will always remember the fun times we shared with him at the Gazebo, Sugarloaf, PVCC, and our dinner events. Please know we are thinking of you in this time of sadness and our prays are with you.
Clyde Dyar
November 18, 2010
My thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family. It was a pleasure to work with John and just a couple of weeks ago had a chance to see and talk with him what a treasure he was to be with. Truly will be missed by all the people he came in contact with.
Steve Rich
November 17, 2010
Mariann and family,
My heart goes out to all of you. John was a special friend at PVCC. We shared golf, the treasures of family, and stories about Air Force flying. He will not be forgotten; I will always carry a piece of him with me.
November 17, 2010
Shelley, Thank you for sharing "Dad" with me. I always enjoyed his visits. He was a terrific man. A True STORY !!
~ My heart goes out to you and your family! Love you!
Sandra Wood
November 17, 2010
Mariann and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always fondly remember your dad from our years growing up together. Please know that I hold you all in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope your memories will give you comfort.
Kelley Webb Hodgdon, Hampden, Me
Charles (Chuc) Halsted
November 17, 2010
I am truly sorry for your loss. The LtCol was a true and loyal crew member. That's all you can ask of a fellow flyer. He was a professional in every way. His job was to get us where we had to be when we had to be there. He always upheld the MAINEiac tradition: "At the initial point, on time." He is missed.
November 17, 2010
John was a great man, I am truly sorry for your loss. His personality and kindness will never be forgotten.
Matt and Debbie McCluskey
November 17, 2010
Shelley and Mariann, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your families in this difficult time.
Pat Ouellette-Pittillo
November 17, 2010
Dear Colleen and family, I am so saddened for your loss, Johhnny spent alot of time at the Ouellette house on Boston Ave when I was young. I will never forget his energy and how he could make us laugh. There was never a dull moment when Johnny was around. God Bless you and your family at this time and always.
November 17, 2010
Colleen and family, I am so sorry for your loss / my prayers are with you and your family - Johnny was always at our house when I was a young girl on Boston Avenue - I"ll never forget is energy and how he could make us all laugh - there was never a dull moment when Johnny was around. He will be sadly missed by many (Ed Ouellette's sister, Pat Pittillo from Hollywood, FL
John relaxing while on the phone
Jim Wood
November 17, 2010
Nice Wheels John
Jim Wood
November 17, 2010
Coffee Break while on Alert Status
Jim Wood
November 17, 2010
Mark Twitchell
November 17, 2010
Dear Colleen and Family,
I have so many fond memories of John and the Maineiacs over the past 25 years. It all began with John hiring me in 1986. John was a true patriot and role model family man. He will be sadly missed by many. From my family to yours, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this dificult time. Sincerely Lt Col Mark A. Twitchell, Pensacola FL
Shirley Harrison
November 17, 2010
Dear Colleen, Shelly and Marianne:
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I am in hopes that with the love of all your family and friends you may know that you are surrounded with prayers at this difficult time. I know that you were so fortunate to have had John in your lives and I know what a warm and wonderful family you are so fortunate to be a part of...so I hope that you will always wrap yourselves in the coat of memories he has left for you. God Bless you all and know that I send this with much caring.
November 17, 2010
Mariann, Shelley, Colleen and your families. Our prayers are with you all. Treasure your memories.
Janna (Crook) Peary and family
Dave and Peggy (Cassidy) Herard
November 17, 2010
Dear Colleen and family,
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.John was a wonderful man.
Melissa Hutchings
November 17, 2010
Shelley and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
November 17, 2010
I am sadden to hear of John's passing....I hold with fond memories the time we spent together in the Standardization-Evaluation Section of the Maine Air National Guard including the many trips we took in association with the air refueling mission...John was a true professional in every sense of the word and a dear friend..He will be missed very much...My condolences to his family and friends... Jim Wood
Melissa Hutchings
November 17, 2010
Shelley & family, my deepest sympathies. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Chris Cookson
November 17, 2010
John was a very well-liked and well-regarded golfer at Pine Hill in Brewer. I remember as a fellow we all liked to play with.
Lorna Plaisted
November 17, 2010
Shelley, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Brian Treadwell
November 17, 2010
My condolences to Johns family I worked with John at Golf Country He was a great guy and will be missed by all who worked there
Brian Treadwell
John O'Connor
November 17, 2010
Shelley & Family Our prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. But remember your father is with his maker and navigating new skys.
John J. O'Connor
Mike Morris
November 17, 2010
Our deepest sympathies go out to all of the family, out thoughts and prayers are with you. ---Mike Morris & Gilda Serrao
November 17, 2010
Will miss John.
Loved golf, and will miss him at the club.
My sympathy to the family.
Bourke Trask Holden
Beth Gerald
November 17, 2010
Sending you our love to help get you through this tough time. Love Beth, Thomas & Landon
Dana Faucher
November 17, 2010
Shelley & Family,
My deepest sympathies and may GOD be with you & your family.
Julie Franchetti
November 17, 2010
Shelley, Tyler and family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Scott Hesseltine
November 17, 2010
John was a great man and a very professional aviator. I will miss him and my condolences go out to his family.
Colby Gordon
November 17, 2010
John was a very good friend during my military career, he will be missed greatly by myself and others. He was cut from a mold of one.
Ray Cooke
November 17, 2010
My condolences to the family of John. I worked with John for 26 years of my military career at the MeANG, having many chances to deploy with him. He was a gentleman, always working for the best goal. He did play a mean game of golf, always trying to improve his game. He will truely be missed by all that knew him.
Ginnie Ricker
November 17, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Showing 1 - 47 of 47 results
Make a Donation
in John Story's name
Memorial Events
for John Story
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Story's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
