Ryan Earl Custer

On July 21, 2024, Ryan Earl Custer, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 81. Ryan was born on December 14, 1942 in Johnstown, PA to John and Freda (Shaffer) Custer. He was a graduate of what was then Forbes High School and was said to be the only graduate of Pretoria Technical School where he earned a 4.0 in BS. You see, Pretoria Tech, as Ryan used to call it, was only a joke that he used to tell his family and friends, as he was always known for his jokes and humor. Even though his family knows that he is now at peace and free from pain, they will miss his wittiness and unrelenting love and support.

Ryan married the love of his life, Patricia (Safko) on December 26, 1963 in California. After moving back to Pennsylvania, Ryan was drafted into the United States Army to fight in Vietnam. 

Ryan was a businessman and a family man. He went on to build D&J Sportswear, in Beaverdale, PA employing many in his sewing factory making ski clothes. He and his wife, Pat, raised 4 children. Ryan loved his old cars, flowers, and traveling. He was a lifelong Rotarian, Shriner, Mason, and member of the St. David’s Lutheran Church in Davidsville, PA.

Ryan is survived by Pat, their children Douglas (Beth), Jeffrey, Russell (Michele), and Tricia (Nathan) and his older brother Allen. He is also loved and will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Josiah, Avery, Dylan, Ava, Georgia, Grace, Ella, and Mabel.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Freda.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 beginning 11 a.m. at the Maryland Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery Chapel in Hurlock with military honors. Officiating at the service will be Rev. David Casey-Motley.

To share online condolences with the family, please visit www.newcombcollins.com.