Richard David Story, a Longtime Magazine Editor Dies at 68

This month, the literary world lost one of its own in the form of Richard David Story. The magazine editor passed away suddenly before the weekend, but no further details have been given.

On Friday, March 5, 2021, Richard David Story died at the age of 68 in New York City. “Departures” former editor died unexpectedly, according to his family’s spokeswoman.

No further details were given about the cause of his passing. In life, Story had worked for some of the biggest magazines like “Vogue,” “InStyle,” “Esquire,” and “New York” magazine.

Besides being an editor and writer, the star spent his life traveling and understood how fashion, culture, and luxury mixed together. His last writing job was for “Town & Country,” and he also wrote a column for “Air Mail."

He was born in Oklahoma City before graduating from Northwest Classen High School. At the school, Story showed off some of his many skills when he excelled in debate.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Williams College. Story began his editorial career at “Reader’s Digest” when the company was still in its Westchester County days.

He then moved on to “Travel + Leisure” and found his next home at “Esquire.” The late editor also found his future wife, Jennifer Crandall, at “Esquire” and they stayed together for 31 years.

At “Vogue,” he served as their features editor, and he was the senior editor at “InStyle.” At “New York” magazine, Story worked as their assistant managing editor and served his time at “USA Today.”

In 2000, the late editor joined “Departures” before leaving the magazine 17 years later. He traveled extensively to countries like Rajasthan and Botswana, and last fall, he and his wife went to Santa Fe.

The area happened to be where Story and his wife, Crandall, had their honeymoon after their wedding. In 2014, Assouline published his coffee table book titled “The World of Departures.”

A memorial has not been planned for Story, who is survived by his wife, son Zachary Story, and brother Craig Story. Graydon Carter was one of the people who paid tribute to Story.

Carter is the man behind “Air Mail’s” newsletter. In 2015, “Departures” dedicated its July/August issue to an All-American Summer by sharing some of Story’s favorite travel destinations.

Another star who died recently was longtime radio show host Rush Limbaugh. He passed away at age 70 on February 17, 2021, after a short battle with stage 4 lung cancer.