Samuel Curtis "Curt" Hardcastle, 74, of Silver City, New Mexico, hung up his tools and took his well-earned rest on November 6, 2025. Born June 23, 1951, he lived the kind of life you could set your watch by: honest, hard-working, and full of heart.
Curt grew up between California and Missouri, raised by his grandparents, Samuel Hobart Hardcastle and Effie Mae Sanders Hardcastle. They taught him the good stuff early: work hard, keep your word, and take care of your own & others. He did all these, every single day.
While in Missouri, he met a girl named Lark, thanks to her best friend, who clearly knew what she was doing. They married, built a life together in Missouri, chased warmer weather to Arizona, and eventually settled in Silver City, New Mexico. For nearly 51 years they were partners in life and love, and in long-range shooting, where Lark was his trusted spotter, calling the wind and sharing the aim.
Curt started tinkering with firearms back in the 1970s while working as a machinist to keep his family fed and his projects running. A hobby turned into a calling, and Hardcastle Custom Handguns was born, later growing into Hardcastle Custom Machine. After moving to Arizona, Curt caught the single-shot rifle bug and never looked back. Competitive shooting sparked his passion for bringing old rifles back to life, and soon he was known as a highly regarded gunsmith who did things the old-fashioned way, by the honor system.
Curt figured a handshake and your word ought to mean something. He trusted folks to do the right thing, just as he always did. He gave freely of his time and knowledge, spending hours helping others or talking through a tricky fix over the phone. He didn't do it for credit; he did it because that's just who he was. His word was gold, his heart was good, and his time was yours if you needed it.
A lifelong hunter and marksman, Curt was steady behind a trigger and happiest under a wide-open sky. He was a proud participant in the Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match and a longtime member of the American Single-Shot Rifle Association. He loved history, good conversation, and the smell of a job done right. He mentored young gunsmiths, backed 4-H and FFA kids, and had deep respect for anyone who served their country.
Family was Curt's bullseye. He is survived by his wife Lark, daughters Brooke Fronzaglio and husband Gabriel, and Jackie Diebold and husband Scott, grandchildren Quinn and Tate Thompson, Kolibri Fronzaglio, Erin George Park and husband Elijah, Brennen George, and Malerie Diebold, great-grandson Henry Park, and sister Melody Joy Alcorn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Leslie and Nellie Joy Wooten Hardcastle, and by his grandparents, Samuel Hobart and Effie Mae Sanders Hardcastle, who raised and loved him as their own.
He also had a soft spot for animals, dogs, strays, and the occasional wild thing, and they loved him right back. His yard and his heart were both always open.
Curt will be cremated, with a celebration of life to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 4-H, FFA, or any animal charity or rescue that does good work.
Curt Hardcastle lived like he shot: steady, deliberate, and true. He built his life with his hands, his heart, and his word, and if you were lucky enough to know him, you know that was more than enough.
Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
