Merrimac, MA:Mr. Rudolph G. "Rudy" Custeau, 88, of Merrimac and formerly of Savage St., Haverhill, died Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at Wingate of Haverhill.

Born in Haverhill, son of the late George M. and Odelie (Michaud) Custeau, he attended St. Joseph's Grammar School and Haverhill High School, graduating with the Class of 1942. A United States Navy veteran of World War II he served in the American and Asiatic-Pacific Theatres and was a recipient of the World War II Victory Medal. Following his discharge from the service, he earned his degree in Business Administration from Suffolk University in 1949.

As a young man, Mr. Custeau worked as a lifeguard at Salisbury Beach and was later employed by the Boston and Maine Railroad. From 1950 until 1983 he represented the John Hancock Life Insurance Company and was later associated for twenty-three years with Costello Insurance Company of Bradford, retiring in 2006.

Mr. Custeau was a former longtime member of St. John the Baptist Church, Haverhill, and the Jaycees of Haverhill and was a Charter Member of the Jaycees in Newburyport and a longtime member of the Jackson Club of Haverhill.He enjoyed golfing, swimming, spending time at the beach, reading and ballroom dancing.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen and Karen Custeau of Haverhill and David and Rachel Custeau of Plaistow, NH; a daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Philip O'Leary of Hampton, NH; his longtime friend and companion, Barbara Muise of Haverhill; two grandchildren, Thomas O'Leary and Margaret O'Leary, both of Hampton, NH; his former wife, Mary Alice (Cashman) Custeau, Haverhill; and several nieces and nephews.He was pre-deceased by two sisters, Rita Lobue and Doris Ducharme.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Wingate of Haverhillfor the comfort and care they gave to Mr. Custeau and his family during his recent stay.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday, February 24, 2012, from 5 to 8 PM at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home, 47 Broadway, Route 97, Haverhill, MA.His funeral will begin on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at 9 AM from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial with military honors to follow at 10 AM in All Saints Church, Haverhill.A private family burial service will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery, Haverhill at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans' Northeast Outreach Program, 10 Reed St., Haverhill, MA 01830.To view his online obituary or to send a message of condolence, please visit our website at www.berubecomeau.com