John E. McCann III kisses his wife, Marann, after being sworn in by Governor Carcieri as a Family Court judge Thursday at the State House in Providence.

The Providence Journal / Bob Thayer

PROVIDENCE — John E. McCann III, a Cranston lawyer with 35 years’ experience in family relations law, was sworn in Thursday as Rhode Island’s newest Family Court judge.

McCann took his oath in the State House rotunda in a ceremony attended by the state’s political, judicial and law enforcement leaders. He was roundly credited as a well-respected, tireless lawyer who carefully navigated difficult and often life-altering domestic relations cases. He replaces Gilbert T. Rocha, a revered judge who died in December.

“He is a true student of law and human nature,” said Chief U.S. District Judge Mary M. Lisi, who met McCann while representing juveniles for the state public defender’s office.

McCann was joined by his wife, Marann, and three children and their families. “It doesn’t get any better than this,” he said.

McCann, 59, of Barrington, has concentrated on family law at the Cranston law firm Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum for the past 32 years. He is a former member of the state Supreme Court’s disciplinary board and was a 2003 finalist for a Family Court judgeship.

McCann earned a bachelor of science degree from Boston College and a law degree from Suffolk University Law School.

Governor Carcieri nominated McCann above four other JNC picks: Jennifer Hoopis D’Ambra, Frank J. DiBiase, Family Court Magistrate Angela Bucci Paulhus and Lia Stuhlsatz.

kmulvane@projo.com