About John R. Oishei

John R. Oishei: A Visionary from Buffalo

Buffalo, New York, has given the world many influential figures, but few have left a legacy as impactful as John R. Oishei. Born on January 18, 1886, this businessman, inventor, and philanthropist not only revolutionized the automotive industry but also shaped the cultural and social fabric of his hometown through his extraordinary generosity.

From Humble Beginnings

John R. Oishei was born into a family of Italian immigrants in Buffalo in 1886. His father, Charles Humbert Oishei, was a lawyer who instilled in John the values of hard work and innovation. Growing up as one of eight children, John experienced a childhood in a bustling and growing industrial city. This environment may have planted the seeds for his later entrepreneurial spirit.

The Trico Revolution

The story of Trico Products Corporation, the company that made Oishei a household name in automotive circles, began in 1916 with a seemingly ordinary event. Driving through downtown Buffalo during a rainstorm, Oishei was involved in a minor accident with a bicyclist. While no one was seriously hurt, the accident sparked an idea. Frustrated by the limited visibility caused by rain on his windshield, Oishei saw the need for a better solution.

Shortly afterward, Oishei teamed up with an engineer, John Jepson, to refine a rudimentary hand-pulled rubber squeegee into a practical, reliable windshield wiper. This innovation became a game-changer in automobile safety. By 1917, Trico Products Corporation was officially founded, and under Oishei’s leadership, it became one of the world’s leading manufacturers of windshield wipers.

Oishei’s commitment to quality and advancement ensured that Trico’s products became standard on vehicles produced by companies like Cadillac, Packard, and Buffalo’s own Pierce-Arrow. Over time, Trico developed even more advanced systems, including powered windshield wipers and washers. By the 1930s, every U.S. automobile was equipped with Trico wipers—a testament to Oishei’s vision and determination.

A Heart for Giving

Despite his incredible business success, John R. Oishei’s most enduring legacy lies in his philanthropy. Known for his modest demeanor, he quietly gave back to the city that had given him so much.

In 1940, he established what is now The John R. Oishei Foundation, originally as a tribute to his mother, Julia, and his late wife, Estelle. The foundation focused on supporting hospitals, schools, and cultural organizations in Buffalo. Oishei was a strong advocate for health, education, and the arts, and his foundation became a critical resource for many of the city’s vital institutions.

To ensure that focus remained on the causes rather than himself, Oishei insisted on anonymity for his charitable acts during his lifetime. After his passing in 1968, his name was proudly attached to the foundation, inspiring others to follow his example of giving.

A Legacy of Care and Innovation

One of the most visible symbols of Oishei’s lasting impact is the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. Opened in 2017, it stands as a beacon of hope and care in Buffalo, serving children and families from across the region. Located near where the original Trico factory once stood, the hospital is a tribute to Oishei’s passion for improving lives.

Additionally, the foundation has become one of Western New York’s most significant grantmakers. It contributes nearly $20 million annually to initiatives that align with Oishei’s vision for a better community. From funding groundbreaking medical research to supporting Buffalo’s resurgence as a cultural hub, The John R. Oishei Foundation continues to uphold the values of its founder.

Lesser-Known Moments

Beyond his business and philanthropy, Oishei had a love for the arts and local culture. A member of Buffalo’s prestigious Saturn Club and a former president of the Buffalo Club, he was an active participant in the city’s social scene. Despite his immense wealth—his estate was valued at over $45 million at the time of his death—he maintained close ties to Buffalo’s working families and sought to uplift them through his initiatives.

Celebrating Buffalo’s Icon

John R. Oishei’s life is a remarkable story of innovation, generosity, and enduring impact. From a rainy day in 1916 that led to a revolutionary invention to decades of silent giving, he exemplified what it means to use success as a force for good.

For Buffalonians, Oishei is more than a name on a foundation or a hospital. He represents the spirit of the city—hopeful, hard-working, and deeply committed to community. Today, as we marvel at Buffalo’s growth and achievements, we remember one of its greatest champions and celebrate the man who truly made a difference.

Here’s to John R. Oishei—a visionary whose influence will be felt for generations to come.n T. Josselyn’s life is a story of extraordinary bravery and meaningful contributions, from the battlefields of the Civil War to the communities he served after the war. Though his later life took him far from Buffalo, he carried the values instilled in him during his formative years in the city. His Medal of Honor action not only highlights his personal valor but also reflects the enduring spirit and grit of Buffalo during a pivotal period in American history.

Each time we recount stories like Josselyn’s, we are reminded of the remarkable individuals who shaped our nation’s past. For Buffalonians and history enthusiasts alike, Simeon T. Josselyn is more than a hero — he’s a symbol of the resilience and strength that define the city he once called home.