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Frank Caprio, a Rhode Island judge turned reality and social media star, has passed away of pancreatic cancer. He was 88.
Caprio’s passing was announced on August 20th via his official Instagram account, with the man routinely called the “Nicest Judge in the World” having died “peacefully” following a “long and courageous” illness.
“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,” read the post. “His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
The statement went on to read, “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 first revealed his cancer diagnosis in December 2023, and the judge was actually diagnosed the month earlier on or around his birthday. (In that video, he noted “This birthday is a little different than any other I have ever had.”) Caprio’s last update came via a video post on August 19, where he said, “Last year I asked you to pray for me, and it’s very obvious that you did because I cam through a very difficult period. Unfortunately I’ve had a setback. I’m back in the hospital now and I’m coming to. you [sic] again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more.”
Caprio was born on November 24, 1936 and grew up in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood. After he graduated Providence College in 1958, he began teaching at the local Hope High School while studying law at Suffolk University School of Law and simultaneously serving in the Rhode Island Army National Guard (1954 to 1962). Caprio was later elected to the Providence City Council (1962 to 1968) and served as Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence (1985 to 2023).
But perhaps Caprio’s biggest claim to fame came as he starred in the nationally-syndicated Caught in Providence. The show, which began on local public access before getting picked up Massachusetts’ WLNE-TV circa 2000, eventually came to national fame in the late 2010s following several viral moments. Caprio then earned his “nice judge” status each episode by earnestly engaging with both the defendants and victims passing through his Providence courtroom (generally for low-level citations), offering a dash of humanity, wit, and wisdom to the sometimes less-than-savory criminal proceedings. In addition to taking off online — where Caprio’s TikTok account amassed 1.6 million followers and his Instagram earned 3 million followers — the show also secured several Daytime Emmy Award nominations between 2018 and 2020.
Caprio wasn’t just a darling on the internet, either. Over the years, he’d given back to the community in several ways, including founding Suffolk University’s Antonio “Tup” Caprio Scholarship Fund (which provides education for students with greater economic needs); serving on the President’s Council at Providence College; and his fundraising work with local charities like Rhode Island Food Bank.
Several prominent mourners have already paid their respects to Caprio. In a post on X, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called Caprio a “Rhode Island treasure” and noted that he’d “miss him dearly.” Flags across the state’s government buildings will also be flown at half mast. Meanwhile, the comment sections across his social media channels were flooded with admirers praising Caprio’s humanity, legal contributions, and general dedication to community involvement.
“Go Mr. Frank and claim the treasure i know you earned up there [sic],” wrote user cerdaaldo.
English (US) · 