He fought fiercely for working Mainers who’d grown up in poverty as he had. Son of a union longshoreman, he never strayed far from his birthplace.

PORTLAND (WGME)--- Maine leaders are remembering a former governor as he lies in state at Portland City Hall. Mainers have a chance to pay their respects Thursday night to former governor Joseph Brennan. Brennan died on April 6 at 89 years-old.

F uneral services are being held Friday for former Maine Gov. Joseph Brennan at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. The mass will be led by The Most Rev. Robert P. Deeley. Following a procession, Brennan will be buried with honors at Calvary Cemetery on Broadway in South Portland.

The Brennan administration created the toolkit for modern state government. In the process, Joe earned the undying loyalty, respect, and affection of everyone who ever worked for or with him, Frank O'Hara says.

At the start of public viewing Thursday, friends and old political allies spoke of his varied facets: politician, working-class Irishman and lifelong Portland resident.

Governor Janet Mills has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor the life of Joe Brennan, who died earlier this month at the age of 89.

Gov. Janet Mills ordered flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Friday in honor of Brennan. Thursday, people filed past his casket during public visiting hours at P