Funeral of Mr J Hirons

Lived 70 years in Ealing

An Ealing resident for nearly 70 years, Mr Jospeh Hirons died at his home at 15, The Grove, Ealing on Sunday.  Mr Hirons who was 89 years of age, had been connected with the travelling domestic stores at 15, The Grove, Ealing, since 1874.  He was an old member of the Ealing Philanthropic Institution and his association with the Ealing Congregational Church extended over a period of 60 years.  His daughter was the first child to be christened at the church.  Mr Hirons' impersonation of Mephistopheles in the 1887 Jubilee celebrations procession in Ealing will be remembered by many.

Mr Hirons was the first trader to open his business in a row of shops erected on an old landmark at Ealing Green.  His shop stood on ground that formerly made up the front gardens of two 17th Century cottages at Ealing Green.  In June 1935, the lease expired and the property was acquired for new developments.  The business was then transferred to The Grove.

Mr Edward Hirons, his son, has managed the business since 1919. 

The Rev Wilton Rix officiated at the funeral service at the congregational church and the interment at Ealing Cemetary.

The mourners were:

Mr & Mrs EE Hirons (son and daughter in law)

Mrs R House, Mrs Painter, Mrs Duncombe (daughters)

Mr W Hirons (son)

Mr EG Hirons, Mr J House (grandsons)

Miss Ivy Hirons, Miss Eileen Hirons, Miss Florry House (granddaughters)

Miss N Hirons, Miss Lily Hirons, Mrs Leach, Mrs Ward (nieces)

Mr W Hirons, Mr F Ball (nephews)

Mr H House, Mr A Duncombe (sons in law)

Mrs EG Hirons (granddaughter in law)

Mrs Martin (niece)