Mark T. Custer III, age 58, of Pittsburgh, passed of natural causes last week in his apartment in Brentwood. Born June 5,1966, in Beaver Falls, Mark was preceded in death by his father, Mark T. Custer Jr., and his mother, Wilma Jean (Farkas) Custer. Mark was a 1988 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s prestigious performing arts program.
After graduation, Mark truly spent his life doing what he loved the most – playing his trumpet. For almost 40 years, he performed internationally, across the country and locally with the River City Brass Band, Johnny Angel and The Halos, The Blues Orphans and Guaracha. He also shared his gift with countless students, teaching both privately and at two local high schools.
He is survived by his brother, Matt (Jennifer) Custer, stepmother, Kitty Custer, stepsister, Heather Naggy and her two sons, Braden and Christian Kowalski, and 15-year significant other, Rosalie Kaplan.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mark’s name to the Carnegie Mellon College of Fine Arts: https://givenow.cmu.edu/campaigns/42888/donations/new?a=8338665
