Dr. John R. Ouimet

Cohoes - Dr. John Richard Ouimet, 89, of Cohoes entered into eternal life with Christ our Lord on January 28, 2026 after a short illness at Samaritan hospital. Born in Troy, NY to the late John Edward Ouimet from Montreal, Canada and the late Patricia (Hetko) Ouimet from Austria, he grew up in Watervliet and graduated from Watervliet High School. 

John went on to Syracuse University, where he was a debate coach and helped students, especially foreign students, shine in public speaking. He received his Master’s Degree from SUNY Albany in Reading. Later in life he received his Doctorate from an online College in Montreal. John met the love of his life, Ruth Marie Austin who became his wife for 62 years. He taught English at Shaker Jr High School, and became a reading specialist at Shaker High where he helped shape the lives of many students struggling in academics with his humorous, unorthodox and yet very effective methods. There he met Joseph Auerema, the school Speech Pathologist and they started their own business, the Speech and Reading Improvement Center. They provided speech language to area hospital and nursing homes, as well as provided evaluation and therapy for the reading disabled. John was hardworking and a strong advocate for students struggling to reach their potential.

He loved roller-skating, amateur boxing in high-school, bike riding, playing his guitar and traveling with his beloved family. He worked two jobs to provide and give the best to his family.

John is survived by his only daughter Lisa LoGiudice and her loving husband Joseph, who was like a son to him and helped care for him in the nights, many cousins and his dearest life-long friend of 75 years from high-school; Ben Mirling of Saratoga Springs, his God son; Gary Mirling as well as his "adopted children and grandchildren" from Mexico, Central America, South America and Peru who always prayed for him and his wife. 

We want to thank Samaritan hospital nurses, doctors and caregivers for all of the great care and love they showed us, as well as St Peter’s Urology in Troy, and his long-time doctor Everett Forman. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 5-7pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie, NY 12205 In lieu of flowers, cards of remembrance would be appreciated and can be mailed to the funeral home address.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.CannonFuneral.com