About
The story of
John William DeClaris
John-William DeClaris grew up surrounded by legendary adventure tales, from Odysseus and Heracles to The Canterbury Tales, Robin Hood, and Sherlock Holmes. Though he earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Yale University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Comprehensive Science from Villanova University, his path could have easily led him to the arts. Instead, he built a career in healthcare and healthcare information technology within both the private and federal sectors. For over 15 years, he has been deeply involved in elder and dementia care. Yet, beneath it all, he was always an explorer at heart, ready to embark on a journey at a moment’s notice.
His passion for travel began in childhood, with camping trips in upstate New York and boating adventures on the Chesapeake Bay alongside his father. His first European voyage took him to Greece in 1971, a trip that lasted weeks and ignited a lifelong love for travel. Since then, he has journeyed across the United States, visiting 33 states, preferring road trips and train travel over flying. Internationally, he has explored Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Australia, England, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, and many more, including destinations in Eastern Europe before their political transformations.
For John-William, travel isn’t just about sightseeing or visiting museums—it’s about immersing himself in local culture, meeting people, savoring authentic cuisine, and listening to untold stories. His years of dementia caregiving reinforced the importance of preserving personal narratives before they fade, making storytelling an integral part of his journeys.
His latest book offers readers a family-friendly escape through historical fiction tales, capturing the essence of adventure while safeguarding precious memories.