Francis Sears
1928
Francis Joseph Sears.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Storekeeper-Gauger Francis Sears was killed in a massive explosion at the Publickers Alcohol Plant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The plant took up the entire block bounded by Water Street, Snyder Avenue, and McKean Street, and Swanson Street.
A mechanic was working on a cistern when a spark caused a massive explosion, destroying the entire plant. The mechanic and Storekeeper Sears were both killed, and several other people were injured.
Storekeeper Sears was a U.S. Navy WW I veteran and U.S. Navy Reserves veteran who served as a policeman at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and served with the United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Bureau of Prohibition.
A mechanic was working on a cistern when a spark caused a massive explosion, destroying the entire plant. The mechanic and Storekeeper Sears were both killed, and several other people were injured.
Storekeeper Sears was a U.S. Navy WW I veteran and U.S. Navy Reserves veteran who served as a policeman at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and served with the United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Bureau of Prohibition.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
Service Record
Also Served
United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Bureau of Prohibition
Storekeeper-Gauger
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtntv3sjt086ac90e92qs
Record added
August 2, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
August 2, 2026
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Francis. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor Francis.
Leave a Tribute