John Ash Merna, 92, entered eternal life on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, after a long and adventurous life. He was born on October 31, 1930, in Quincy, Massachusetts to parents Thomas Francis Merna and Katherine Cecelia Ash Merna.

As a graduate of Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts, he went on to attend Boston College and graduated with a degree in History. He also earned a master's degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California.

John served in the US Army from 1954-1957 and then dedicated himself to a 45-year career as a Department of Defense civil servant. His career took him across the globe to include places such as Iceland, England, Cuba, Newfoundland, Vietnam, and Germany. He retired from his final posting at Ft. Monroe, Virginia in 1992 and made Hampton his permanent home.

Lovingly known as "Boston John" he was a "Friend of Bill W." and served within this fellowship for 47 years. He cherished the many friends within this close-knit community as well as shared hope, encouragement and support to thousands of its members over the years.

As a devout Catholic, he was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and supported numerous charitable organizations such as the Little Sisters of the Poor.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Pauline Hendler; and brother, Thomas Merna; he is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sibylla J. Merna; his children, Katherine M. Merna, John G. Merna, Regina S. King and her husband, Spencer, Christine M. Merna and her husband, Fitzgerald Lawrence, and Sibyll M. Jones; his grandchildren, Tessa Merna, Meredith Merna, Elizabeth Merna, Chadwick King, Stephen King, Jacob Lawrence, Tyler Lawrence, Drew Lawrence, Michael Lawrence, Kristina Canady, Madelyn Jones, Sarah Jones, Taylor Jones and four great-grandchildren; brothers, Richard Merna and Robert Merna; as well as many nieces and nephews.

John was deeply loved by his family and all who knew him. His story-telling, sense of humor and his love for his family and friends has left an indelible mark in the hearts of many. A Funeral Mass to celebrate John's life will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hampton, Virginia by Father John Grace.  A reception will follow at the church.

Donations can be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Immaculate Conception Church, General Fund, 2150 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, VA 23669.