William R. Ames

It is with deep sadness that the family of William Raphael "Bill" Ames announce his passing on December 25, 2025, at the age of 64, at Frederick Memorial Hospital in Frederick, Maryland, with his loving family by his side. He was the devoted husband of Johnna Lee (Stranick) Ames, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage.
Born on May 17, 1961 in Montour Falls, New York, Bill was the son of the late William W. Ames III and Anna L. (Specchio) Ames. Bill had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid sportsman who found great joy in hunting and fishing. A skilled archery hunter, he especially enjoyed teaching others the sport and sharing his knowledge and patience with those eager to learn.
Bill had a lifelong passion for youth athletics and was deeply committed to coaching and mentoring young athletes. He proudly coached with South Hanover Little League, the St. Joseph Athletic Association boys' and girls' teams, and Hanover Huskies Football for grades 4–6. He was a seven-year active member of the St. Joseph Athletic Association, where his dedication, leadership, and love for children left a lasting impact on countless families.
Professionally, Bill built a respected career in the electrical field. He began his work as a High Power Lineman with Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, later advancing into roles of increasing responsibility. He went on to serve as a Maintenance Manager specializing in industrial electrical installation, working throughout York and Hanover, where he was known for his strong work ethic, technical expertise, and reliability.
Bill was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hanover and a devoted fan of Boston sports teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, New England Patriots, as well as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Above all else, Bill cherished his family and was most proud of his role as a husband, father and uncle.
In addition to his loving wife, Johnna, Bill is survived by his sons, Nicholas Ames and Joseph Ames; his mother, Anna L. Ames; his siblings, Jerome Ames and wife Diane, Timothy Ames, Mary Ames, and Michael Ames and wife Sandy; his mother- and father-in-law, Janice and Stephen Stranick; his sisters-in-law, Margaret Zinn and husband David, Jennifer Stranick, and Lynne Stranick; and his nieces and nephews, Jana Z. Bonds and husband Eric, Lara Z. Dye and husband Tyler, Isabella Stranick, Sophia Stranick, Stephan Stranick, Nathan Gerhart, Benjamin Gerhart, Michael Ames, Tyler Ames, Sundine Robert and Gary Roberts. He is also lovingly remembered by his great-niece and great-nephews, Harrison, Elin, and William Bonds, and Carter Ames.
He was preceded in death by his father, William W. Ames III; his brothers-in-law, Stephan Stranick and Jeffrey Stranick; and his niece, Kaitlin Stranick.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated care team at Lorien, whose compassion, professionalism, and kindness provided comfort and dignity to Bill during his final years. Their support meant more to the family than words can express.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5055 Grandview Road, Hanover, PA 17331.
To honor his love for the outdoors and children, memorial donations may be made to South Central Outdoors for Youth - Field Day Event at the McSherrystown Fish & Game Association. Donations should be designated in memory of Bill Ames and sent to _ South Central Outdoors for Youth, Inc., P.O. Box 51, New Oxford, PA 17350.
Murphy-Beck Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., of McSherrystown is entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be shared at www.beckfunerals.com