BOSTON — Richard Egbert, the prominent New England criminal defense lawyer whose famous clients included Massachusetts House Speaker Thomas Finneran and Providence Mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci, has died. He was 61.

Egbert’s wife, Shannon McAuliffe, said he died Thursday of a suspected heart attack, while on vacation in upstate New York.

Egbert was known for his commanding courtroom presence and aggressive cross-examinations. With his raspy, baritone voice and confident stride, he would “take over the courtroom,” said Tom Drechsler, a Boston defense attorney who worked with Egbert.

Egbert spoke frequently in interviews about the rights of the accused and the need for defense attorneys to keep overzealous prosecutors in check.

He represented people from all walks of life, including mobsters, politicians and judges.

His prominent clients included Finneran, who was accused of lying about his role in a redistricting plan, and Cianci, who was accused of corruption.