Frank Caprio, the longtime judge who became an internet sensation for his compassion and wisdom on the bench, has died at the age of 88.
His passing was confirmed on Wednesday by his son, Frank T. Caprio.
Elected as a judge in 1985, Caprio gained national recognition through his television series Caught in Providence, which was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2021.
The show became a viral hit on social media, where clips of Caprio compassionately dismissing traffic tickets after hearing the personal stories of those who came before him touched millions around the world.
Just hours before his death, Caprio had posted a video on Instagram, thanking his followers for their prayers as he announced he had a setback with his pancreatic cancer diagnosis and was back in the hospital
‘I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more,’ Caprio said in hi last video.
The Caprio family posted a statement on the beloved judge’s Instagram: ‘Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
‘Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond.
‘His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Frank Caprio, a renowned judge turned internet sensation, has died at the age of 88
Caprio’s passing was confirmed on Wednesday by his son, Frank T. Caprio
‘He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.
‘His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world – just as he did every day.’
Caprio grew up in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island, as the second of three sons.
As a boy, he shined shoes, delivered newspapers, and worked on a milk truck – jobs that reflected his family’s values of hard work and service, according to his website.
He graduated from Central High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Providence College.
Afterward, he remained in Providence and began teaching American Government at Hope High School.
While teaching, he attended night classes at Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, launching a career in law.
Caprio went on to serve for 10 years as chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, overseeing the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the Community College of Rhode Island.
In December 2023, Caprio revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His last last treatment was in May 2024
Judge Frank Caprio, dubbed the Nicest Judge in the World, ringing the bell after his last chemotherapy treatment
He also gave back to his community through education. At Suffolk Law, he founded the Antonio ‘Tup’ Caprio Scholarship Fund in honor of his father.
The scholarship supports Rhode Island students committed to improving access to legal services in underserved neighborhoods.
Additional scholarships in his father’s name were established at Providence College and Central High School.
In January 2023, Caprio retired from the Providence Municipal Court after nearly 40 years on the bench. In October of that year, the city renamed its municipal courtroom in his honor.
Shortly after celebrating his 87th birthday in December 2023, Caprio revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In a heartfelt message, he asked the public for their prayers:
‘People ask me, “What can I do for you?” First of all, I can’t thank you enough for your friendship and kind messages. But I would ask that each of you, in your own way, please pray for me,’ he said.
‘I am in need of the power of prayer, which I believe, in addition to the medical treatment I am receiving, is the most powerful weapon to help me survive this.’
He completed his final round of radiation treatment in May 2024.
Caprio is survived by his wife, Joyce, along with five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Throughout his career, Caprio touched countless lives, both in and out of the courtroom.
In a 2017 interview with Daily Mail, he reflected on the responsibility of holding power as a judge:
‘I’m always mindful of the fact that the power of the sovereign, as opposed to the power of the individual, is so disproportionate.
‘Shame on me if I represent the sovereign and I give someone something they don’t deserve.
‘I take it a step further – if I think there are certain circumstances in an individual’s life, or it’s a close call, I give them the benefit of the doubt.
‘I don’t subscribe to the theory that because you were charged, you must be guilty.’
That philosophy was clear on Caught in Providence, where Caprio regularly excused fines while offering words of comfort, guidance, and understanding.
In a memorable 2018 episode, Caprio dismissed a ticket for a struggling mother-of-two after asking her young son, Armando Ramos, for his opinion.
‘My mom, she’s looking for work ’cause she’s trying to move from our house. That’s why she can’t spend her money on anything,’ the boy told the court.
Elected as a judge in 1985, Caprio gained national recognition through his television series Caught in Providence, which was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2021
Caprio, who became a household name for letting people off scot-free after hearing the stories behind their crimes, retired from the bench in January 2023
Visibly moved, Caprio responded: ‘Shake my hand. Look me in the eye. You’re a good kid, you love your mom. You made a good plea on her behalf.’
In another moment from 2017, a grieving mother, Andrea Rogers, appeared before Caprio with a stack of parking fines. Tearfully, she explained she was struggling to cope after her son was murdered. Caprio dismissed all the penalties.
‘I’m going to take into consideration the horrific story you just told us, relative to your son.
‘I don’t think anyone in their lifetime would ever want to experience that.
‘With our best wishes and hope that things turn around for you,’ before ending the court appointment with his commonly-used, warm-hearted words: ‘Good luck to you.’
