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NORWALK, Conn. Some Marvin Elementary School students will have to adjust to a change in their lives come Monday: Robert "Rev" Story will no longer be driving their bus.
Story, pastor of Community Advent Christian Church, has retired. Route 422, which includes Marvin, Columbus Magnet School and All Saints Catholic School, won't be the same. Story has rarely missed a day in his 25 years as a Norwalk bus driver, including more than 20 years on Route 422.
"This has been a huge part of my life, and it's hard to let go, but it is time," Story said.
The reverend's last day on the job Friday ended in a remarkable way: Co-workers lined up at First Student to cheer him as he pulled in with his bus for the last time. "I'm pretty shocked," Story said as he shook hands with his co-workers, a box of tissues in his hand. "I never suspected."
Story's resignation was met with a rebuttal from his supervisor, Theresa Taylor. Story has been dependable, rarely absent, never had an accident and has never been late. In short, he can't leave, she said. "You are honest and give 100 percent both on and off the job. We are not ready to let you go maybe after another 100 years." His co-workers laughed at that comment.
"I count every one of you as a friend, I always have," Story said, who was a school bus driver in West Virginia for more than seven years before coming to Norwalk.
Story's wife, Brenda, said the school bus has been a "second home" for her husband. "Every evening at supper he prays and thanks God for safety on the roads and care of the children," she said. "Every evening, every night."
Steven Colarossi stood with the family as the bus pulled in, helping to hold a banner that said, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Story is a great guy, Colarossi said. "He's completely dedicated to his family, the people who go to his church, and every single student he's ever driven on his bus."
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