Ashland, Kentucky - John "Nino" Murer, Jr. 96, of Ashland, Kentucky, strengthened by the grace of God and fortified by the Sacraments of the Church passed away at his home on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

He was born January 23, 1930, in Scomigo, Italy, to the late John Murer, Sr. and Vittoria Ganz Murer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Hyland Murer, in 2022; his son-in-law, Gerard Hogg; and his three sisters, Renata (Louis) Hedrick, Ines (Russell) Zasadny, and Laura (Gary) Willis.

John graduated from Holy Family Catholic School and was a lifelong member of Holy Family Catholic Church, where he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his youth, he was a talented athlete, playing basketball at Ashland College, as well as basketball and baseball in the Navy League, and softball for Ashland Oil. He served honorably in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and later retired from Ashland Oil. John had a great love for his family and his church, which were central to his life. He also enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Florida, and golfing. A passionate sports fan, he especially enjoyed following the Cincinnati Reds and University of Kentucky basketball.

He is survived by his son, John (Breanna) Murer of Columbus, Ohio; his daughter, Diana Hogg of Beckley, West Virginia; five grandchildren, Luke, Jake, and Sophia Hogg, and Makenna and Madelyn Murer; and two great-grandchildren, Savannah and Cameron Hogg.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, with Father D. Andrew Canon Garner, KHS, officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted by the United States Navy and American Legion Kenova Post 93.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic School, 932 Winchester Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101.

To share a memory of John or to offer condolences to his family, please visit steenfuneralhome.com.