Judge Frank Caprio, the beloved Rhode Island jurist whose viral courtroom clips made him a global star, has died at 88.
Caprio, affectionately called “the nicest judge in the world,” passed away peacefully after a long fight with pancreatic cancer, his family confirmed Wednesday.
The retired Providence Municipal Court judge won millions of fans with his hit TV series “Caught in Providence,” where he mixed humor with heart, often waiving fines for struggling defendants or encouraging young people to stay in school. Clips from the show turned him into an online legend, earning him millions of followers worldwide.
“His compassion, humility, and belief in the goodness of people touched countless lives,” his family said in a statement on Facebook. “He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to all.”
Caprio’s passing comes less than two years after he revealed his diagnosis in an emotional video, where he asked supporters to keep him in their prayers. He shared updates through treatment, including ringing the bell after his final round of radiation, but recently told fans he’d suffered a setback and returned to the hospital.
Tributes poured in as news spread. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee ordered flags flown at half-staff, calling Caprio “a treasure who showed us justice is strongest when paired with humanity.”
Born in Providence in 1936 to Italian immigrants, Caprio spent nearly four decades on the bench after careers as a teacher and lawyer. His courtroom philosophy was simple: lead with compassion. “Sometimes you can change somebody’s life just by placing your hand on their shoulder and telling them you believe in them,” he once said.
Judge Caprio is survived by his wife Joyce, their five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.