September 21, 1934 – August 16, 2016
Earl Eugene “Gene” Custer; loving husband of Susan Ash Custer; beloved father of Cynthia Custer (Martin) Alston; and proud grandfather of Lindsay, Megan and Nicole Alston passed away August 16, 2016 at his home in Fort Myers, Florida. Gene is also survived by his brother Jack (Christine) Custer. He was pre-deceased by his first wife and Cynthia’s mother Rose Mary Custer and his parents Harold and Erma Custer.
Gene was born in Johnston, Pennsylvania where he spent his early childhood. After surviving the Johnstown flood he relocated with his parents to Taylor, Michigan where he and his brother Jack grew up and attended high school.
After high school Gene attended Lawrence Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree. While working on a job site in the Detroit area he met his first wife, a teacher, Rose Mary Catenacci whom he married in October of 1959. In 1961 while attending graduate school they had their only daughter Cynthia Carol Custer.
After graduation Gene joined the General Electric Company. During his 30-year career at GE, Gene worked at the Appliance Division in Louisville, Kentucky, the Lighting Division in Houston, Texas and the Carboloy Division in Detroit, Michigan. During his 20 years at Carboloy Gene and his family lived in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Gene eventually joined GE’s Aircraft Engine Division in Cincinnati, Ohio following his cherished wife Rose’s death in 1986.
After retiring from GE in 1995, Gene moved to Fort Myers, Florida where he pursued his passion for boating and travel. Gene served on the Gulf Harbour Home Owner’s Association for many years, and also spent a year as Commodore of the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club. It was there he met his second wife Susan Ash Custer whom he married in May of 2001.
Gene will be remembered by his family for his love of travel, laughter, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Christmas, and chocolate chip cookies.
Arrangements under the direction of HODGES-KISER FUNERAL HOME, Fort Myers, FL.
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