He was born in Providence, RI July 12, 1950, the son of Howard O’Brien, II and the late Virginia Arruda O’Brien. He is predeceased by his mother and a sister, Cheryl O’Brien.
He was a graduate of Delasalle High School, in Bristol RI. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston University and was graduated from the University of Maine Law School where he received his Juris Doctor.
On March 1, 1980 he married Esther Cushman of Cumberland, Maine.
Mr. O’Brien worked as a business owner, entrepreneur, and then assistant district attorney in Portland. Professionally, he was last known as a prominent criminal defense attorney with the firm of Strike, Goodwin & O’Brien in Portland. He was a member of the Inns of Court and of the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL).
He enjoyed reading, was a master bridge player and sought after partner in bridge tournaments, and was active in the local bridge club. He had a passion for music and played guitar, and wrote lyrics for over four hundred songs. He loved football and the New York Yankees and was commissioner of several fantasy baseball and football leagues.
He was a deacon of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Portland. For many years he was active in youth ministry and as a little league baseball coach, never missing a game.
Telling stories and funny jokes, he was a constant source of entertainment for all those who knew him. His children and grandchildren were his greatest joy.
Surviving is his wife Esther O’Brien of 32 years. He is also survived by three daughters, Rachel Reeves and her husband Glenn of Cape Elizabeth and their children Evan and Ella, ages 7 and 3; Amanda Bouchard of Westport Island with her children Emilienne, age 10, Madeline, age 7, Leonard & Lillian, twins age 5; and Courtney O’Brien and husband Kevin of Bath, and their daughter Josephine, age 2 1/2. Surviving are his three sons, Howard O’Brien IV and his wife Tracy of Portland; Corey O’Brien and his wife Melissa of Durham, and their daughter Molly age 1; and Roarke O’Brien of Falmouth. He is also survived by his father, Howard O’Brien, II of Bristol, RI and his brother William O’Brien and his wife Sue of Bristol, RI, and his in-laws, Donna and Lee Cushman of Turner and many family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday June 9 at 2:00 pm at the Cundy’s Harbor Community Church , 863 Cundy’s Harbor Rd, Harspwell, reception immediately following. Flowers or donations towards medical expenses greatly appreciated. Arrangements were by Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick, where memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsons funeralhome.com.
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