Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at age 88 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer
Known as “America’s nicest judge,” Caprio gained worldwide admiration for his empathetic approach on the courtroom show Caught in Providence, which aired nationally from 2018 to 2020 and received multiple Daytime Emmy nominations
Clips of his kind-hearted rulings—like dismissing a speeding ticket against a 96-year-old man caring for his handicapped son—were viewed billions of times and made him a viral sensation
He served as Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court from 1985 until his retirement in 2023, and before that, served on the Providence City Council from 1962 to 1968
Caprio’s work extended beyond the bench:
He chaired the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, influencing the policies of several state institutions
He founded heartfelt scholarships in honor of his immigrant father, supporting students at Providence College, Suffolk University Law School, and his alma mater’s Central High Schoo
He was actively involved in community outreach with organizations such as Boys Town of Italy, the Nickerson House Juvenile Court, and the Rhode Island Food Bank, among others
His leadership and educational influence earned him numerous honorary degrees, including from Suffolk University (1991), Providence College (2008), and the University of Rhode Island (2016)
In 2023, his courtroom was renamed “The Chief Judge Frank Caprio Courtroom”, and he became Chief Judge Emeritus to honor his decades of service
At 88, he authored the poignant memoir Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge, released in early 2025 and touching many readers with its warmth and humanity
Beyond his public roles, Caprio was a devoted husband to Joyce for over 60 years and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather
Rhode Island’s Governor Dan McKee called him a “Rhode Island treasure” and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in his honor, reflecting the profound impact he had on the community
“Judge Frank Caprio, Renowned for Kindness on the Bench and Education Advocacy, Dies at 88”
Judge Frank Caprio, celebrated for his compassionate rulings on the courtroom series Caught in Providence and his six-decade commitment to public service and higher education, passed away peacefully at 88 after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. Serving as Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court from 1985 to 2023, Caprio won global admiration for treating defendants with dignity, humor, and humanity. His courtroom became the setting for viral moments of empathy—one notably involving a 96-year-old man caring for his ill son. Beyond the bench, he chaired the state’s higher education board, established numerous scholarships, and supported youth and legal access initiatives. Caprio’s memoir, Compassion in the Court, was published in early 2025, echoing his lifelong message of kindness. Beloved as a family man, friend, and mentor, his passing leaves a legacy of compassion that will endure.”
Judge Caprio’s life reminds us all: justice can, and perhaps should, be tempered with mercy and empathy. His legacy continues to inspire—may we honor him by showing just a bit more compassion in our own lives.
The world is mourning the loss of Judge Frank Caprio, the beloved “America’s Nicest Judge,” who passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Known across the globe for his compassion, humility, and humanity, Caprio’s legacy has touched millions.
But in his final days, Judge Caprio left behind one last request — a wish so simple, yet so powerful, that it has left the world in tears.
Just days before his passing, from his hospital bed, Caprio shared an emotional video with his supporters. His voice weak but filled with faith, he asked not for fame, not for fortune, but for prayers.
“Please keep me in your prayers,” he said. “I believe deeply in the power of prayer. I feel your love, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
That was Frank Caprio’s final wish: to be remembered in prayer and love by the very people he inspired with kindness throughout his lifetime.
For decades, Caprio showed the world that justice could be fair, but also filled with mercy. His courtroom on Caught in Providence became a place where humanity and compassion mattered as much as the law. Viral moments, like forgiving a 96-year-old man speeding on the way to care for his sick son, made him a symbol of kindness in a world often too harsh.
Beyond the bench, he dedicated his life to education, creating scholarships for young students, supporting charities, and giving back to his community in Rhode Island. He never forgot his immigrant roots, and he always reminded people that dignity and respect should come first.
Now, as millions grieve his passing, Judge Caprio’s last wish resonates louder than ever: a call for love, unity, and prayer.
The “world’s kindest judge” may be gone, but his legacy — and his final request — will live on forever.
