MR. FRANK STILLMAN
DEATH AT SWEET STORE
Following health breakdown
The death occurred with unexpected suddenness on Thursday afternoon of Mr. Frank Stillman, aged 39, who had been residing with his wife and two children above Mr. Critchley’s shop in Cheap-street. For a period of 18 months the deceased has been in the employ of “Candies”, and had been engaged in the store in Market-street. Six weeks ago he had a serious breakdown in health, suffering from influenza and head affections. Under medical treatment, and being a man of the “never-say-die” type, he showed signs of improvement, and was able to undertake very light work. On Thursday, he had just returned from dinner and was in the store, when he suddenly sank down in a chair in a state of complete collapse. His colleagues rushed to him, and Mrs. Critchley was called, and soon had a doctor in attendance. Mrs. Frank Stillman was also summoned, and arrived just before her husband died. He was unconscious when she got to him, and never spoke again. Dr. Simmons, who had previously treated the deceased, came later, and made out a certificate that death was due to heart failure following influenza.
Mr. Stillman was a native of Newbury, and at one time was manager at Brigham’s, the tobacconists in Northbrook-street. He had also worked in Reading, where his parents lived. During the war he had the experience of nearly being buried following the explosion of a shell in the ground at Arras. He rose from the ranks to the position of Sergeant, and at the conclusion of hostilities remained for a time with the Army of Occupation on the Rhine.
The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, service being held in St. John’s Church, the interment being in the cemetery in Newtown-road, the Rev. E.H. Stenning officiating. The mourners were the widow, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stillman, Reading (father and mother), Mr. and Mrs. Tom Stillman Read (brother and sister-in-law), Misses Hilda, Elsie, Hilda, Nora and Doris Stillman, Reading (sisters), Mr. and Mrs. North, Reading (brother-in-law and sister), Miss Belcher, Reading (sister-in-law) Mr. Belcher (brother-in-law), Mrs. C.F. Critchley. A large number of friends, including fellow tradesmen, representatives of “Candies” and of the British Legion, also attended the funeral. Wreaths were sent by relatives and friends, the large array including one from the staff of “Candies”, the Legion of Honour and Mr. and Mrs. Critchley.
STILLMAN – May 10th at 46 Cheap-street, Frank the beloved husband of Mrs. Frank Stillman, aged 39 – “His end was peace”.
Also – He married Mary Belcher in 1910 and they had 2 children – Frank born in 1912 and Monica born in 1915.
NWN 17 May 1923
Not in Mrs. P
Buried 14/05/23 aged 39 from 120 Bartholomew Street.
Bk 1917 p. 080 No. 10234 |
