Christopher R. “Chris” Ames – 34 – of Rochester, formerly of Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (November 13, 2014) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in North Hornell on July 4, 1980, he was the son of Richard Ames and the former Susan “Susie” Rowe.

Chris grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1998).  While in high school, Chris played JV Football, St. Ann’s basketball and also played in the Babe Ruth Baseball League.

Following high school, Chris worked for several years doing general construction as a carpenter / roofer with his father.  Throughout his 20’s Chris toured the country as a “free spirit” following his favorite bands such as Widespead Panic, selling Tee Shirts and other items to support his “free spirit” life style and had a huge “festival family” with whom he traveled.  He loved this life and saw more places than one could dream of in a life time.  It was what he loved to do and music was very near and dear to his heart, especially his love for the Grateful Dead band.  In 2008 he worked as a sleep technologist doing sleep studies on patients at his stepfathers business New Life Sleep Consultants in North Carolina until it closed in 2010.  For the past four years, he has resided in Rochester, working as a self-employed carpenter and sub-contracting for Jon Grant Interiors.

Chris was a lifelong baseball fan and took great pride in being knowledgeable about professional baseball players’ statistics.  He was also a life-long baseball card collector and was a season ticket holder for the Rochester Red Wing Baseball Team.  Chris was also an avid Atlanta Falcon Football fan from childhood through his adult years. 

Surviving are his mother & step-father, Susie & Dustin Phillips of Carolina Beach, NC; his father & step-mother, Richard & Tina Ames of Niagara Falls; his brother, Mike (Sarah Gregorius) Ames of Hornell; his half-brother, Trent Ames of Niagara Falls; his half-sister, October Ames of Niagara Falls; 1 niece, Everly Ames; several aunts, uncles & cousins, his best friends Brienne Woodworth and Casey Oakden who both were there for support until he went to be with God. Chris considered his festival family to be his 2nd family, and he would have done anything for any one of them.  He will also be sadly missed by his faithful dog, “Bodhi” who he loved more than anything.  “Chris, may the four winds blow you home safely”. NFA!

The family of Christopher R. “Chris” Ames will receive friends on Friday (Nov 21st, 2014) from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held immediately afterwards with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  A celebration of his life and reception with friends and family will be immediately afterwards at RBI Sports bar.

The family of Chris would like to thank the Doctors and nurses at Strong Memorial for the wonderful care they gave Chris during his illness and the compassion they showed during this time.  Thank you to all our family and dearest friends who have been with us during this sad time and the support they have given us.  Words cannot express how thankful we are that you were there to help us through this time of sadness.  

Chris’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.