John Decio DeCotis, a former Utican and parishioner of Mount Carmel Church, has written a children’s book “Decio Comes to America.”
John said the book book reflects the experiences of the Italian immigrants who came to the United States in the early 1900s and is based on his grandfather Decio DeCotis’ journey to Utica.
These immigrants were eager to start a new and better life for them and their families, John said. “America was their shining star and hope for their future generations.”
Decio DeCotis was a parishioner of Mount Carmel.
John DeCotis was born, raised and educated in Utica. He taught in a Catholic school for three years and later earned a master’s degree from Springfield College in Massachusetts. He earned his doctorate degree from the University of Georgia,
After moving to Georgia to pursue his education career, he retired in 2010 as Fayette County School superintendent.
The book is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.