Richard Daniel Ames, 76, passed away peacefully in his home in Vero Beach, FL surrounded by his loving wife and family on July 11, 2023. He was born in South Boston, MA on March 3, 1947 to John and Irene Ames. He was the youngest of four siblings. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, and finished his military career as a Staff Sergeant. His time in the service included a tour of duty in Vietnam as an Air Traffic Controller. He was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal and an Air Force Commendation Medal.
He received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) in 1975. He began his career with the IRS in Washington D.C., and at that time he earned his MBA from George Mason University in 1983. He became a Management Consultant for International Intelligence Corporation for four years. He then moved to New Jersey with his family to take the role as the Director of Internal Audit for Resorts International for 6 years. He began his career at Carnival Corp, Miami in 1989 as the Director of Internal Audit and remained there until his retirement as a Senior Vice President in 2014.
He married his long time love Diane Mary Mullin on July 22,1972 in Alexandria, VA. They were married for 50 beautiful years. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He shared his love of life and laughter with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Diane, and his children Alyson Walsh (William) of Jupiter, FL, Michael Ames (Andrianna) of Orlando, FL, Christie Hamilton (Jeff) of Weston, FL, and Laura Carmean (Nick) of Nashville, TN; 8 grandchildren he loved (and teased) very much, Brady, Will, Victoria, Grant, Lillie, Emily, Christopher, and Katie. He is also survived by his sister, Gertrude Ames of Naples, FL and many loving sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Richard is predeceased by his parents, his two brothers, Jack and Robert Ames and nephew, Brian Mullin.
In his retirement, he was a world traveler with his wife Diane, his children, and many friends. He was also an avid golfer, active Board member of Baytree Condo Association, a member of St. Bonaventure Finance Committee, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
We invite family and friends to join us for the visitation on Sunday, July 23, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM at T.M. Ralph Funeral Home, 371 NW 136 Avenue Sunrise, FL. The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 24, 11AM at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, Davie, FL. Richard will be laid to rest on Tuesday 10:00AM at South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, FL.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s name can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital ( https://www.stjude.org) or St. Bonaventure Knights of Columbus- Council #12240- 1301 SW 136th Ave, Davie, FL 33325.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
371 NW 136th Ave NW 136th Ave at NW 2 Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33325
Keith Johnson
July 25, 2023
Diane, my sincere condolences to you in this heartfelt time. I have many great memories of Richard, as my boss at Carnival. He was a great mentor to me, and provided confidential advice not only regarding our work, but for my career development. We missed him when he retired. Such a good man. I'll be praying for you.
Jeff
July 24, 2023
As good as man as anyone has ever met. Rich loved his wife Diane, his four kids and he cherished his grandkids! Rich made me laugh so many times with the greatest sarcastic humor. As humble a man to all even when he was taking all your money on the golf course. RIP thoughts and prayers to his family and friends!
Rodney and Julie Dofort
July 19, 2023
Richard was a gracious work colleague, a fun neighbor and a good friend over many years. Julie and I smile at the memories of the passionately contested beach bocce ball games and laugh at the streak of humor that he could sometimes surprise us with. Diane, sadly we will only be with you in spirit this weekend but you and all your wonderful family will be in our thoughts and we hope that our paths will cross again so that we can remember Richard fittingly.
Marco
July 19, 2023
Dear Diane and family. We wish to be there with you. We will pray for our Richard same day same hour in our church in Genova.. Marco and family
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Edy Green
July 18, 2023
My condolences to Diane, Michael, Alyson, Christie and Laura, as well as all of the remaining family members.
During my employment with Carnival, I first knew of Richard Ames and then worked directly for him from 2000 to 2011.
He was fair to everyone. Although one of the great leaders of the corporation, he respected everyone equally whether you were the CEO or the janitorial night crew.
He adored his wife and kids and loved his country.
He will be missed!
Theresa
July 18, 2023
Sincere condolences...so saddened to hear of Richard´s passing...I don´t have a lot of history to share...even so, I know Richard as a fine man whose integrity, logic and compassion were impactful and very much respected. I will miss him.
Brian Smith
July 16, 2023
I met Rich in 1969 at Fort Fisher Air Force Station at Kure Beach, NC. From there he spent 1 year in Viet Nam while I spent 1year at a (very) remote radar station in northern Alaska! We both returned to Ft. Fisher until we were Honorably Discharged in 1973, as Staff Sergeants (E-5). With several years excepted, we met annually with him, me, Kevin O´Donnell and Tobie Steele. We competed visciosly at Double-Deck Pinochle, Golf, Darts and Corn Hole!
I love him as a true brother and his marvelous wife Diane. We shared the joy of children being born, then grandchildren. We stayed on top of career changes and took turns hosting our annual gatherings. I was so blessed to spend a few days with Rich & Diane the first week in May, 2023. I will miss him and love him until I take my last breath. Rest In Peace my dear friend!!
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