John P. O'Brien

August 18, 1938 ~ October 6, 2022
Resided in:
Scarborough, Maine
John P. O’Brien
1938-2022
SCARBOROUGH—John P. O’Brien, 84, of Scarborough, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 6, 2022, in Portland.
John was born in Portland on August 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 Street, Portland on Tuesday October 11 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday October 12, 2022 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.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Saint Anselm College
College Advancement Office
100 Saint Anselm Drive
Manchester, NH 03102
My sincere sympathy to Barbara, Jeanine and the entire family.
John served with distinction as a Trustee at Seventy Five State Street when I was CEO.
I grew up at Higgins with the O’Brien family always part of the action. This family is, and always has been, an intrinsic part of our beach community. Please know that community is here to bear witness to and support you through your grief. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
John was the hardest working man. Sending love and prayers to his entire family. ❤️
John is an amazing person who created a beautiful family and made all welcome in his presence. We will miss him greatly.
We were saddened to hear of John’s passing. We loved having him as our accountant and financial advisor for so many, many years. He was a gem! We were sorry that we couldn’t make the services, but please know we are thinking of you all and send our heartfelt sympathies. xo
Judy & Dave Gagnon
My best to the family. I knew John through Jeannine He was an impressive and committed person. Great husband, father, businessman and citizen.
All those years ago at Higgins Beach and at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church John and Barbara were a constant presence. My heart goes out to the family!
John was a wonderful, bright and good humored man, The love he had for his family will always be a blessing.
Dear Barbara,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on this great loss. I have many wonderful memories of John. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Susan
Barbara, I think of you often and hope your cherished memories and loved ones are providing some comfort at this time. Love Tammy