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After a long battle with pancreatic cancer, Judge Frank Caprio – admired across the United States for his kind and compassionate approach to justice – passed away on Wednesday at the age of 88.
The announcement was shared on his official Instagram page, noting that he died peacefully and will be remembered not only as a respected judge but also as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Caprio became widely recognized through the television program Caught in Providence, which showcased his memorable interactions in Providence’s Municipal Court. He stood out for handling minor violations such as traffic tickets and overdue parking fines with empathy and understanding. Many of his courtroom moments, often ending with words of encouragement, waived fines, or simple acts of kindness, went viral online and touched millions worldwide.
His reputation as “America’s Nicest Judge” was further reinforced in 2021 when Caught in Providence earned a Daytime Emmy nomination. He served as a city judge in Providence, Rhode Island, from 1985 until his retirement in 2023.
Just hours before his passing, Caprio recorded a final video message from his hospital bed, where he expressed deep gratitude and asked his supporters to keep him in their prayers.
Caprio began practicing law in 1965, following the completion of his legal studies. Over his decades-long career, he became known not just for his rulings, but for the compassion behind them. His book, Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge, highlighted some of his most unforgettable cases.
Reflecting on his diagnosis in an earlier interview, Caprio admitted that his first reaction was disbelief, but quickly chose to focus on gratitude: “I’ve lived a life full of blessings. I will not allow this to define my final years.”
He is survived by his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
