John P. O’Brien

SCARBOROUGH – John P. O’Brien, 84, of Scarborough, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, in Portland.

John was born in Portland on Aug. 18, 1938, the son of Martin W. and Mary C. (King) O’Brien. He grew up in Portland and was a 1956 graduate of Cheverus High School. John went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Bentley College. He served in the Army National Guard and worked at Casco Bay College, eventually acquiring Dial Placement Service. John earned his CPA and worked for several accounting firms including Rittenhouse in Boston, MacDonald Page Stratford and Strout, and Berry Dunn and McNeil. He went on to start his own accounting practice and became a registered investment advisor with H.D. Vest Financial Services. Working alongside his family he built a successful business advising hundreds of clients until his retirement at the age of 80. John’s work was his happy place, as he was truly dedicated to his profession and to helping people with their financial needs.

John served as president of the Maine Association of Public Accountants, he was a trustee at Seventy-Five State Street, and was active with the Higgins Beach Association and served as its treasurer.

He could always be found combing the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and the Complete Investor. Away from work, he’d unwind by watching New England sports and taking long walks around his Higgins Beach neighborhood. He also loved giving rides to his grandchildren in his 1930 Model A Woody, the only thing that worked longer than he did.

John was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Joan McGovern and her husband John, and his brother, Emmett “Buddy” O’Brien.

Mr. O’Brien is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara (Colley) O’Brien; his children Timothy J. O’Brien and his wife, Kathy of Scarborough, Jeanine M. O’Brien and her husband, Tim Barthelman of Freeport, and James M. O’Brien and his wife, Lisa of Scarborough; his grandchildren, Caroline E. O’Brien, Peter M. O’Brien, Connor J. O’Brien and Liam G. O’Brien; his sisters-in-law, Cindy Rendall and her husband, Stephen, and Michaelene O’Brien; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland on Tuesday Oct. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday Oct. 12 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Scarborough. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

John’s family would like to extend a special thank-you to Tammy Silveria, RN and Dr. William Talpey for their compassionate care at Seaside Rehab.

To view John’s memorial page or share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Saint Anselm College

College Advancement Office

100 Saint Anselm Dr.

Manchester, NH 03102