HARPSWELL — Howard O’Brien, 61, died June 3 at his home with his wife by his side.

O’Brien was born in Providence, R.I., on July 12, 1950, to Howard O’Brien II and Virginia Arruda O’Brien.

He was a graduate of Delasalle High School in Bristol, R.I., and received his undergraduate degree from Boston University. He also graduated from the University of Maine Law School where he received a doctoral degree.

On March 1, 1980, he married Esther Cushman of Cumberland.

He worked as a business owner, entrepreneur and assistant district attorney in Portland. He was 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 the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

O’Brien enjoyed reading, was a master bridge player, loved music and playing guitar and enjoyed watching the New York Yankees and football.

He was a deacon of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Portland and was active for many years in the youth ministry as a youth baseball coach.

He was predeceased by his mother and sister, Cheryl O’Brien.

O’Brien is survived by his wife of 32 years, Esther; daughters Rachel Reeves and her husband, Glen, Amanda Bouchard and Courtney O’Brien and her husband, Kevin; sons Howard O’Brien IV and his wife, Tracy, Corey O’Brien and his wife, Melissa and Roarke O’Brien. grandchildren, Evan, Ella, Emilienne, Madeline, Leonard, Lillian, Molly and Josephine; father, Howard O’Brien II; brother, William O’Brien and his wife, Sue; in-laws Donna and Lee Cushman; and many friends.

Funeral services will be held on June 9 at 2 p.m. at the Cundy’s Harbor Community Church, 863 Cundy’s Harbor Road, Harpswell.

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