Providence (USA), Aug 21 — Judge Frank Caprio, widely admired for his compassionate approach in the courtroom and beloved worldwide for his viral videos from the television program Caught in Providence, has passed away at the age of 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
According to a statement issued on his official Facebook page, Caprio “passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.”
The statement described him as “beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people,” adding that “his warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
Frank Caprio, often referred to as the “nicest judge in the world,” rose to global recognition through Caught in Providence, a courtroom series that began airing in 2000 and went on to earn four Daytime Emmy nominations. Clips from the show frequently went viral on social media, highlighting his leniency and humanity in handling cases.
Born on November 23, 1936, in Providence, Rhode Island, Caprio initially worked as a teacher of American government at Hope High School before pursuing law at Suffolk University School of Law in Boston. He went on to serve as a Providence Municipal Court Judge from 1985 until 2023.
In interviews, Caprio often credited his upbringing in an Italian-American household for shaping his philosophy of compassion. “Sometimes you can change somebody’s life just by placing your hand on their shoulder and telling them you believe in them,” he told NBC Boston in 2024.
Caprio publicly announced his cancer diagnosis in December 2023, shortly after his 87th birthday, asking supporters to keep him in their prayers. Despite undergoing treatment and marking milestones such as the completion of radiation therapy in May 2024, he shared earlier this week that he had suffered a setback and was back in the hospital.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce Caprio, their five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
(With inputs from agencies)
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