Beloved Judge Frank Caprio, Star of Caught in Providence, Dies at 88

Judge Frank Caprio is the Chief Municipal Judge in Providence, Rhode Island. / StephanieRPereira

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published August 20th, 2025

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PROVIDENCE, RI (iSkyNews) — Sad news today: Judge Frank Caprio, the kind-hearted judge whose compassion in the courtroom made him famous around the world, has passed away at the age of 88 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Caprio, born Francesco Caprio in Providence in 1936, served as the chief judge of the Providence Municipal Court and was chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education. While respected in law and politics, he became a household name thanks to his TV show Caught in Providence, where clips of his heartfelt rulings went viral and earned him the nickname “America’s Nicest Judge.”

A Final Message of Gratitude

Just hours before his passing, Caprio posted a video on Instagram, thanking his followers for their prayers and sharing that his cancer had taken a turn for the worse.

“I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more,” he said in what became his final message to the public.

Family Statement

His family confirmed his death in a touching post on his Instagram account:

“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. 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.”

From Humble Beginnings to Global Inspiration

Caprio grew up in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood, the second of three sons. As a boy, he shined shoes, delivered newspapers, and worked on a milk truck—small jobs that instilled the values of hard work and service that he carried through his life.

He graduated from Central High School, earned his bachelor’s degree from Providence College, and later completed his law degree at Suffolk University Law School in 1965. Beyond the bench, he authored Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge, a book that captured the philosophy that made him beloved by millions.

Remembered with Love

Judge Frank Caprio is survived by his children Marissa, David, and Frank T. Caprio, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For so many who watched his courtroom moments online, Judge Caprio represented fairness, kindness, and understanding in a world that often feels short on compassion. His wisdom, humor, and humanity will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Beloved Judge Frank Caprio, Star of Caught in Providence, Dies at 88