Christopher E. Ames

Christopher E. Ames, 64, passed away unexpectedly on March 13, 2026 at the family’s home in Chester, Vermont. 
 
Chris was born July 12, 1961 in Massachusetts, to Edward and Audis Ames. He grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut where he was actively involved in sports and his boy scout troop, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Upon graduation from Ridgefield High School, he attended the University of Connecticut, where he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelors degree in chemical engineering in 1983, beginning his long career in the pharmaceutical industry.
 
In October 1990, he married his wife Brenda, and shortly after they moved to New Jersey and welcomed their daughter, Jennifer. Chris embraced his work in the pharmaceutical industry traveling the world to places like Singapore, China, and Finland, gaining knowledge and experience. His experience earned him a job in Puerto Rico for Schering Plough working in quality control. When the family returned from Puerto Rico he continued in quality control and quality assurance for over 40 years.
 
He enjoyed his role as Band Dad, helping with Jen’s high school marching band’s pit crew, kayaking, clamming, crewing for a hot air balloon, and when the weather cooled down, hiking and chopping wood to keep the fire place burning in Vermont. He also loved watching sports. Any sport, any season, it didn't matter, he wanted to watch it. But no matter where he was, or what he was doing, he was never far from his grills. Whether it was smoking a pork shoulder or ribs, grilling burgers, or steaming freshly dug clams, he was a master!
 
As a lifelong New York Giants fan, he reliably tailgated every home game since becoming a season ticket holder in 2010. Game day started on Friday, contemplating which grill to bring and what meat to serve for Game Day, as deli subs were never good enough for a tailgate Chris attended. Many looked forward to whatever he would bring, and all enjoyed the fruits of his grilling labors.
 
Chris and his wife enjoyed traveling (between Giants home games of course) and they often came across unexpected snow during the fall in places like Crater Lake and Bryce Canyon just to name a few. During these adventures, Chris developed a love of reading plaques. Any plaque, anywhere, any time. The next time you see a plaque, read it and remember him! Recently, he had started to dabble in retirement, joining his community's Men’s Club, going on day trips to museums, and on fishing trips. He had an amazing dedication to walking and working out in the gym. He put that fitness to the test recently on an incredible trip to Iceland he shared with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law. It was an adventure filled with hiking, waterfalls, and lava flows. A science lover and plaque readers dream come true! It was the highlight of many wonderful trips he had taken with his family.
 
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Ames (Porter), daughter Jennifer, and her husband Justin, along with his grand dog Bodhi, who like most people in Chris' life, will greatly miss his skilled hands at the grill. He is also survived by his two sisters, Melissa and Vanessa, and their wonderful families, his cousins, nieces, nephews, and many, many loving friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on April 25, 2026, from 11 am - 1 pm at Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 E. Main St., Bridgewater, NJ 08807 with a memorial service at 12:30PM. Please wear your favorite New York Giants apparel, or your best Hawaiian shirt. In lieu of flowers, the family has chosen to continue Chris’ penchant for charitable support. Contributions can be made here, and will be dispersed amongst a few organizations that best reflected his everyday life.

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