John F. Ames Jr.

1947 - 2020

John F. Ames, Jr., 72, of Susquehanna Township, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He was born on May 21, 1947 in Dubois, PA to the late John F. "Jack" Ames and Irma (Moats) Ames. He grew up in Lewisburg, PA and graduated high school from the Valley Forge Military Academy. He earned his undergraduate degree from Penn State, and attended graduate school at the University of Baltimore. John was dedicated to helping those in need, working in social work for most of his career. He retired from the Commonwealth of PA Department of Human Services as a Policy Specialist. He was particularly proud of his work to help establish Fairweather Lodges in PA that provide housing for the mentally ill. John was an accomplished guitar player, playing nearly every day for most of his life to the delight of family and friends. He was a dedicated husband and father who made a point to attend every one of his sons' concerts, plays, baseball, football, and soccer games. He loved being a grandfather. He enjoyed reading, traveling, Steelers football, the Nittany Lions, and his cats. He was a Mason, member of the Harrisburg-Snyder Lodge No. 629. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Roberta (Bobbie) F. Ames; 2 sons: Drew Ames and his wife Robin of Susquehanna Township, Geoffrey Ames and his wife Brianne of Erie, CO; a sister Nancy Brown of Georgetown, KY; 5 grandchildren: John, Andrew, Sebastian, Delilah and Ophelia. He was preceded in death by a son, Nathaniel Ames. A time to celebrate John's life is being planned for late spring. Arrangements are under the care of the Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home, 2100 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110. To send condolences or to share memories with the family please go to BitnerCares.com. Memorial contributions in John's honor may be made to the Humane Society of Harrisburg, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 or to the American Red Cross, 1804 North Sixth Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102.