Maguire Memorial Home & Cremation Services

02/20/2026

When families reach out for the first time about funeral planning, it’s often with a lot of questions, and sometimes uncertainty about where to even begin.

Questions like:
• What are our options?
• What happens next?
• What decisions need to be made right away?
• How can someone help guide us through this?

At Maguire Memorial we take the time to listen, explain options clearly, and help break things down into manageable next steps. There’s no expectation that you will have all the answers; that’s what we’re here for.

Every family’s situation is different, and we approach each conversation with care, patience, and respect, offering guidance that feels supportive rather than overwhelming.

If you have questions, even if you’re not sure how to ask them yet, we’re here to help.

02/20/2026

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.

View Arthur Francis Custer Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/17/2026

We’re honored by the trust families place in us during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Thank you to the families who allow us to support them with care, compassion, and respect.

02/14/2026

02/13/2026

For many families, pre-planning is an act of care: a way to make thoughtful decisions ahead of time and ease the burden on loved ones later.

At Maguire Memorial, we approach these conversations with compassion, clarity, and respect.

02/10/2026

Serving Hackettstown and the surrounding Warren County community is a responsibility we don’t take lightly, and we’re also here for the fun times! This photo is from a Victorian Christmas Market we organized last year!

We’re grateful to be part of this community and to support local families.

02/06/2026

There are many misconceptions around pre-planning. For some families, it’s simply a way to understand options, share wishes and reduce stress later on.

Pre-planning allows conversations to happen with clarity, care, and no pressure. We’re here to answer questions whenever you’re ready.

02/04/2026

Behind every service is a team committed to supporting families with compassion, respect, and attention to detail.

At Maguire Memorial, we take the time to listen, understand each family’s needs, and provide guidance every step of the way.

01/30/2026

Pre-planning is about more than logistics.

It’s a way to talk through your wishes, understand your options, and make decisions at your own pace.

At Maguire Memorial, pre-planning can include everything from service preferences to personal details that matter most to you.

Our role is to guide these conversations with care and clarity, whenever you’re ready.

01/20/2026

Planning a funeral or memorial service can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of loss.

At Maguire Memorial, our role is to guide families through the process with care, clarity, and compassion. From the first conversation to the final details, we take the time to listen, explain options, and support each family based on their unique needs and wishes.

There is no one “right” way to plan a service. Every family, every life, and every situation is different. We’re here to help you navigate the process at a pace that feels right for you.