Frank Caprio, the Rhode Island judge who captured hearts worldwide with his kindness and compassion in court, has passed away at the age of 88. His family shared the news on social media, announcing that he died peacefully on Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Caprio served as a municipal court judge in Providence for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2023. He became a global sensation through his courtroom TV show, Caught in Providence, which showcased his unique way of handling cases—often with empathy, humor, and deep humanity.
His son, David Caprio, said in a heartfelt video message:
“It is with profound sadness that I share the news that my father, Judge Frank Caprio, passed away today, peacefully surrounded by family and friends after a long and courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.”
Known as “the nicest judge in the world,” Caprio frequently dismissed fines for struggling families and even invited children to help decide their parents’ penalties. Clips from his show went viral, amassing millions of views and endearing him to audiences everywhere.
In a statement, his family described him as a man “beloved around the world for his deep compassion, humility, and unwavering faith in the goodness of people,” adding that he was “an example of humanity.”
Born in 1936 in Providence, Caprio came from humble beginnings—shining shoes and delivering newspapers as a boy. He later attended law school at night while working as a teacher, eventually rising to become Providence’s chief municipal judge, a role he held from 1985 until his retirement.
He also shared his life stories in his autobiography, Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee honored him as “more than a jurist,” calling him “a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity.” He further ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff in Caprio’s memory.
His family remembered him not only as a remarkable judge but as “a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.”
