Arthur Francis Custer Jr.

Arthur Francis Custer Jr., "Chip" 77, of Hardwick, NJ passed away at home in comfort and peace on February 17, 2026.

Born on January 24, 1949 in Dover, NJ to the late Arthur Francis Custer, Sr. and Catherine (nee; Leyden)

Chip grew up in Randolph NJ and enjoyed spending summers with his family at their summer cabin on Silver Lake in Hope, NJ. He came from a large family and spent a great deal of time with his aunts, uncles and cousins while growing up. After High School, Chip served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Simms. He met and fell in love with his wife, Katharine Ellington through a mutual friend, Paula Black at Silver Lake and they married on June 23, 1973. They initially lived in Randolph, NJ and then moved to Hardwick in 1982 to raise their young family. Chip was an operating engineer and electrician and was employed by the Local 68 Operating Engineers union until his early retirement in 2001 due to health reasons. He was an excellent cook and owned his own restaurant in Bloomsberg, PA called Custer's Hi Ho. He will be remembered for his famous pig roasts. Chip was an avid pheasant and deer hunter and fisherman. He was a past Cub Scout Master in Blairstown and a Volunteer Fireman for Ironia Engine Company 4 where his father Art, Sr. had also served as fire chief. As an animal lover he enjoyed riding and training horses and bird dogs especially his English Pointer, Mitzy who was a wedding gift from his best friend and best man, Bob Banghart. He was a fan of Country Music and enjoyed watching action, Sci-Fi, horror and John Wayne Westerns. He loved to go for drives to explore new places and was happy to strike up a conversation wherever he went, making friends quickly. He was known to break into a funny song or do a quick gig to make those around him smile, had a devilish and sometimes sarcastic sense of humor and was famous for his ear-splitting whistle. He will be greatly missed.

Chip is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Katharine Custer, his loving daughter, Jessica Custer, his son Brett Custer and his grandchildren Olivia and Damian. Sisters Eileen Custer Brandow Mary Ellen Custer, Margee Custer Simms and Anne Custer Hartig as well as his nieces and nephews and a number of cousins.

Per his wishes, Chip will be cremated and there will be no services at this time.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Stroke Association in Chip's name.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Maguire Memorial Home and Cremation Services, 124 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.