BLACK RIVER, NY — Steve A. Ames, 64, of Black River, passed away at home under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County and surrounded by his family on September 21, 2018 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Steve was born August 31, 1954, in Carthage, NY, a son of John Bernard and Mary Champagne Ames. He attended Augustinian Academy, and was a graduate from Carthage Central High School and Canton ATC.
Steve married Lorie Burns, who was his best friend and true love of his life, on December 3, 1983, at the old Fort Drum Officers Club with the Honorable Donald Shaw officiating.
He worked at Niagara Mohawk as a young man part time while in college and later as a millwright and Class A Machinist at Champion International Paper Company, serving as IAM Union president.
Steve was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Black River Post 673.
He was an avid reader, golfer, automotive expert, and a true history enthusiast. His thirst for knowledge was never ending. There was nothing Steve could not fix.
Surviving besides his wife, Lorie, a son, Ian, Brooklyn, NY, a daughter and son in-law, Bridgette(Benjamin) Nugent, their daughter Nora, all of  Ithaca, NY, and a brother John Thomas (Molly) Ames, Clarks Summit, PA. Steve is also survived by brother in laws Tim Burns, Watertown, Pat Burns, Dexter, Peter (Darcy) Burns, Adams Center, sister in laws Kate (Mike) Branski, Black River, and Liz Burns, Liverpool, and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Among Steve’s greatest accomplishments in life were his two children, Bridgette and Ian, who went on to make their mark in the world yet remained humble, kind, thoughtful, and generous with a very strong work ethic. At a time when he was so sick, his beautiful first grandchild, a granddaughter, Nora, was born and the joy she brought to him was invaluable.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sam Benjamin and staff of Upstate Cancer Center, Deborah of Hospice of Jefferson County, and John Graffi, Orlin Locy, and Jamie Marino for their loyal friendship.
As per his wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral.
Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc.
Contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas PL, Memphis, TN 38105 or Goilsano Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Cir. E. Adams St. Syracuse NY 13210.
Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com.