A ceremonial swearing-in took place last week in a City Hall courtroom for Municipal Court Judge Fran McCloskey, a Northwood native.
McCloskey attended the former Mater Dolorosa Elementary School and St. Joseph’s Prep [class of 1993]. He earned a psychology degree from Penn and his law degree from Temple.
He was an assistant district attorney under Lynne Abraham and Seth Williams, then went into private practice in 2015 with McCullough, McLaughlin, Mincarelli and McCloskey.
In addition, he did some work for the Democratic City Committee. After the 2021 judicial primaries, six judges – four Common Pleas and two Municipal – decided to leave the bench. That gave Democrats a chance to pick their replacements on the November ballot, and McCloskey and the other five ran unopposed.
At the March 10 ceremony, McCloskey’s mom, two kids and other family members sat in the jury box. Seat No. 1 was left empty in memory of the judge’s dad, Frank, who died last month.
McCloskey once interned for federal Judge Tim Savage, who lived in Northwood for many years, and the new judge was hoping Savage could perform last week’s swearing-in. But Savage is hearing cases in St. Croix.
Municipal Court President Judge Pat Dugan, Common Pleas Court Judge Barbara McDermott and Municipal Court Judge Karen Simmons spoke about McCloskey, annd Common Pleas Court Judge Joshua Roberts administered the oath of office, with children Charlotte and Colin holding the Bible and sister Marjean Pressimone handing him his robe.
Former law partner Lou Mincarelli also offered remarks.
McCloskey’s mom, Annette, read the commission from the state declaring his successful election to the bench. ••
