John Ross Hamant

June 6, 1949 - July 21, 2017
John Ross Hamant

Gifts & Memorial Donations



Williamsburg, VA- John Ross Hamant passed away on July 21th, 2017 at 68 years old. He was born in Maryland on June 6th,1949 to the late Montz and Ruth Hamant.

He is survived by: his loving wife, Brenda; Daughters, Jennifer (Jeff), and Sarah; Grandchildren, Devon, Sophia, and Miles.
John possessed an astonishing interest and knowledge of Williamsburg’s history and with his passing, he has become a part of that history. He began his career at Colonial Williamsburg as an archeologist working with Ivor Noel Hume involved in the discoveries at Wolstenholme Town and Carter’s Grove, and the reconstruction of the Public Hospital. From his first days in Williamsburg he quickly became involved in theatrical production, performing in countless programs for Colonial Williamsburg’s Special Events and served many years as the Director of Evening Programs. He was an extraordinary man who had the gift of being both a meticulous historian and an exceptional character actor. For almost 40 years he delighted Colonial Williamsburg audiences with his ability and manner, particularly remembered for his portrayals of Benjamin Franklin, Reverend W. A. R. Goodwin, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. To a generation of his coworkers he was the best of friends and mentors. He will long be remembered for his talent, humor, kindness, and especially his laugh.

John was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. His grandchildren loved their Poppop to the moon and back. We will miss him and love him forever.

Services will be held at Bruton Parish Church on Monday, July 31st, 2017 at 5:15PM. A reception will follow at the Parish House. In lieu of flowers please make any donations to the Heritage Humane Society or Bruton Parish Church. Condolences can be made at vagazette.com/obituaries and http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailypress/


Purchase Flowers

Subscribe to this Obituary

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • July 28, 2017
    Paul Vosteen says:
    Brenda, John was a wonderful man with a huge talent and a huger heart! I will treasure the memories of my travels with him for the various openings of CW Stores (B. Altman, Goudchaux/Maison Blanche, etc.). He was one of us - the Orphan Corps - and I will miss his wit and charm. My condolences to you and your family.

  • July 31, 2017
    JDH says:
    The remarkable gift of John was to have him, all to yourself, in conversation – anytime – anywhere. The memory of his company is indelible.

  • July 31, 2017
    Keith Johnson says:
    I was completely stunned to read about John's passing. I remember him as a delightful person, a devoted family man and a tremendous representative of Colonial . I will miss visiting with him. My heartfelt condolences to Brenda and the Hamant family.

  • July 30, 2017
    R. Pickett Bugg says:
    CW has lost a true talent. I will always reflect fondly upon our shared moments at "The Palace". RIP John & my deepest sympathy to your family.

  • July 29, 2017
    William Guy Webb says:
    As we travel through life there are always some special people who enhance our own lives so much, that with our being richer we still will always feel a loss and a gap. John by his smile and his laugh did that for me. Added, were his character presentations.