James Stephen O'Brien

NEWPORT, RI - James Stephen O?Brien, 78, of Newport, RI, died Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at Newport Hospital.He was the husband of Nancy McGinn O?Brien for 52 years.Born in Newport, Rhode Island on April 2, 1927, he was the son of the late James S. and Katherine Mahoney O?Brien.Mr. O?Brien, known as ?Obie? graduated from Rogers High School, Colby College and Boston University Law School. Mr. O?Brien practiced law for 45 years. During his career in Newport, he was an elected member of the Newport City Council and served 2 terms. He was appointed the city solicitor of Newport for 9 terms, from 1961-1965 and 1967-1981. He was also appointed Assistant Attorney Gerneral of Rhode Island for 2 terms. Mr. OBrien was a Navyveteran of WW-II. James O?Brien served as president of the Newport County Bar Association from 1976-1979 and as the Chairman for the Rhode Island branch of National Institute of Municipal Law Office for 10 years. He was a former member of the Newport Lions Club, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, The Knights of Columbus, Ida Lewis Yacht Club and Goat Island Yacht Club, and also the Redwood Library. He was also a member of Hazards Beach Association.He is survived by his wife, Nancy O?Brien of Newport, RI, his children Kathleen Kruse of Columbus, OH, James S. O?Brien, Jr. of Westport, CT, Sean P. O?Brien of Newport, RI, Terrence P. O?Brien of Portland, ME, Donal F. O?Brien of Branford, CT, and Elizabeth O?Brien of Newport, RI, his sister Geraldine Horton of Suffolk, VA, seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.He is preceeded in death by his daughter Colleen E. OBrien, his brothers Dr. Donal F. OBrien, Terrence P. O?Brien and his sisters Katherine Letts, Eileen Hamilton, Maura McCreery, and Patricia Gilbert.His funeral will be held on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 9:00am in Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway And Vernon Avenue, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.