Judge Frank Caprio, Star of 'Caught in Providence,' Dies at 88 After Battle with Cancer

Frank Caprio, the beloved judge from Caught in Providence, has passed away at age 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was widely admired for his compassionate style of justice offering empathy, humor, and understanding in handling minor infractions, earning him the cherished title of “America’s nicest judge”

A Life of Empathy and Impact

Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Frank Caprio began his legal career serving as Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court from 1985 until his retirement in 2023 nearly four decades on the bench.

His reputation as a jurist with a heart was cemented through the daytime television show Caught in Providence, which filmed his courtroom proceedings from 2018 to 2020. Memorable segments from dismissing tickets for elderly or struggling individuals to playful yet thoughtful exchanges garnered Emmy nominations and went viral online, accumulating well over a billion views  

Caprio’s philosophy centered around the belief that justice should be served with kindness and humanity a message vividly embodied in clips where he would invite children to help decide minor cases, dismiss fines for those in hardship, or deliver moving reminders about everyday decency

His Final Moments and Legacy

Caprio’s death was confirmed via his official social media accounts, recalling he “passed away peacefully” after enduring a “long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.” Just days before, he shared a heartfelt video from his hospital bed, urging followers to "remember me in your prayers" as he faced a health setback.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed sorrow ordering flags at half-staff and honored Caprio as a “Rhode Island treasure” and symbol of justice infused with empathy.

His family remembered him as a devoted family man husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and praised his humility, warmth, and unwavering belief in humanity, pointing to the lasting impact of his compassion  

Final Thoughts

Frank Caprio’s story is a powerful reminder that justice isn’t just about law and order but also about empathy, fairness, and treating people with understanding. His presence in the courtroom and on our screens brought comfort, laughter, and hope to millions. He leaves behind a legacy that challenges us to weave kindness into our daily decisions and to see beyond the letter of the law.

If you’d like, I can share some of his most memorable courtroom moments or highlight leadership lessons inspired by his approach.