February 22, 2012
A brief history - from James Kay, President
Stafford Insurance has been in operation since 1881. Founded as Stafford & Chase, our agency specialized in the predominant textile and marine trades in our region. At the time, Fall River was a worldwide leader in textiles and the number one producer of fine lace fabrics in the world. John F. Stafford was a prominent local businessman whose family was closely tied to the region's textile industry. The Stafford Mills still stand to this day, and the Stafford name appears often in City landmarks, streets and history.
My grandfather, George Kay Sr., was hired in 1914 as an apprentice office worker. In the 1940's Mr. Stafford suffered an untimely death and his son, Birthwell, and my grandfather continued to operate the Agency, then known as John F. Stafford & Co. George Sr. became President of the corporation and served in that position until his death in 1971.
In 1971 my father, George Kay Jr., who had worked in the agency since the war, became President of John F. Stafford Insurance Agency, Inc and held the position until his retirement in 1982. James (Jay) Kay began employment as a licensed agent in 1983 with John F. Stafford Insurance Agency, Inc. and the company is now a third generation family-owned operation with a proud history of 130 years.
Kusinitz Insurance was founded in 1942 by Maury Kusinitz. Mr. Kusinitz, a highly respected local businessman, passed away in early 2003. His son Stewart Kusintiz merged his agency with Stafford Insurance in 2001, forming one of the region's largest family owned insurance agencies. Maury's business and personal connectons with medical professionals remains a cornerstone of our operation.
Carrying on the family tradition, we acquired the George B. Lockhart Insurance Insurance Agency in Somerset on June 1, 2010. The Somerset operation was consolidated with Stafford's existing Somerset branch and operates from the original Lockhart offices at 1168 County Street in Somerset.
Now, as we enter our 130th year, we look forward to expanding our services throughout New England and beyond. Stafford Insurance remains as the standard of excellence for insurance and financial services in our market area. We look forward to helping you with your insurance needs and look forward to serving you.