Judge Frank Caprio, renowned for his compassion in Rhode Island courts and his heartwarming viral court proceedings, has died at the age of 88 (article available here).
According to a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the former Providence, Rhode Island, Municipal Court judge "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," the statement reads. "His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him."
Caprio became famous not because he was tough, but because he was tender. From his Providence courtroom, he showed the world through his TV show, "Caught in Providence," that justice could be delivered with kindness, and that's what made him an international star.
Clips from the series have gone viral on social media and earned four Daytime Emmy nominations.
Caprio presided over traffic and parking violations, and arraignments for criminal offenses. It was Caprio's empathy and humor in how he handled the cases that would touch audiences around the world.
He served as a Providence Municipal Court Judge from 1985 to 2023.
In December 2023, shortly after his 87th birthday, Caprio shared an emotional video on social media revealing his cancer diagnosis.