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John DeCollibus was
born in Framingham, Massachusetts in 1946. He graduated from Boston
College in 1967 with a business degree. While at BC, John enrolled in
ROTC and received his officer’s commission. In 1969, he served in the US
Army as a company commander in Korea in the 2nd infantry division.
For as long as he
can remember, John has admired good handwriting and was never happy with
his own, blaming it on his left-handedness. When his cousin Steve gave
him an Osmoroid pen set in 1975, he saw potential. He soon discovered
the Zanerian Manual and pointed-pen script. A year later he re-penned
the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights. Requests for wedding
invitations and certificates soon followed. In 1980 he began selling his
work at arts and crafts shows throughout New England and wholesale shows
across the country. In 1994, John joined IAMPETH (International
Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting,
est. 1949) and was amazed that so many others shared his passion for
penmanship. He was elected and served as the 1996 IAMPETH president and in 2001
was honored to be certified a master penman.
Today,
John and his wife Penny live in Northboro, MA, where their company,
Beyond Words, is also located. Their three lovely daughters, Nicole,
Lauren, and Alison are all right-handed. John is always happy to share
his knowledge and help anyone interested in the pointed pen.
Especially
lefties.
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