Judge Frank Caprio, the beloved Rhode Island municipal court judge known for his compassionate approach on the reality television series “Caught in Providence,” died Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at age 88 following a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer.
Caprio’s family announced his death through his official social media accounts, stating he passed away peacefully after what they described as a long and courageous fight against the disease. The family emphasized that Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond, noting his warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
The judge, who earned the nickname “the nicest judge in the world,” served on the Providence Municipal Court from 1985 to 2023, presiding over traffic violations and municipal ordinance cases for nearly four decades. His approach to justice differed markedly from typical television judges, as he frequently showed empathy toward defendants and often waived fines for those facing financial hardship.
Caprio’s rise to fame began when clips from his courtroom proceedings went viral on social media platforms. Videos showing him bringing children to the bench to help judge their parents, dismissing tickets for sympathetic cases, and displaying genuine concern for defendants’ circumstances garnered more than one billion views across various platforms. His most popular segments often featured him listening to personal stories of struggle before making compassionate rulings.
The success of these viral clips led to the creation of “Caught in Providence,” which originally aired on local access television before being picked up by Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury division in 2018. The show ran for two years in national syndication and earned four Daytime Emmy Award nominations, including three for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program and one individual nomination for Caprio as Outstanding Daytime Personality in 2024.
Born in 1936 to Italian immigrants in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood, Caprio came from humble beginnings as the second of three boys. His father worked as a fruit vendor and milkman, while his mother stayed home. Caprio credited his upbringing with shaping his compassionate judicial philosophy, explaining that his empathy stemmed from his early childhood experiences.
Before joining the bench, Caprio taught civics at a local high school while studying law at night. He often reflected on his approach to justice, expressing hope that people would understand that government institutions could function effectively through kindness, fairness, and compassion. Caprio frequently stated that he wore a heart under his robe rather than a badge.
Caprio announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in December 2023, shortly after his 87th birthday, describing the disease as an insidious form of cancer. He revealed that he had been feeling unwell and sought medical examination, which led to the diagnosis. At that time, Caprio indicated he was fully prepared to fight as hard as he could against the illness.
Throughout his treatment, Caprio kept his 3.3 million Instagram followers updated on his condition. He shared videos of himself undergoing chemotherapy and expressed gratitude for the prayers and support from his online community. In May 2024, he completed his final radiation treatment session, offering hope to his supporters.
Just one day before his death, Caprio posted what would be his final video message from his hospital bed on August 19. In the emotional clip, he revealed he had suffered a setback and was back in the hospital. He thanked followers for their previous prayers, acknowledging they had helped him through a difficult period, and requested their continued support. “I’m a great believer in the power of prayers,” he stated in his final public message.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee ordered all state flags to be flown at half-staff until Caprio’s interment, calling him a Rhode Island treasure. McKee described Caprio as more than a jurist, characterizing him as a symbol of empathy on the bench who demonstrated what was possible when justice was tempered with humanity.
Caprio transitioned to the ceremonial role of chief judge emeritus in October 2023, a position that carried no pay or bench time. Providence Democratic Representative John Lombardi succeeded him as chief judge of the municipal court. Even after retirement, the “Caught in Providence” YouTube channel continued publishing new content featuring footage from Caprio’s courtroom days, with videos appearing as recently as eight months ago.
In February 2025, Caprio published a memoir titled “Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge.” The book recounted various courtroom stories from his career and further illustrated his judicial philosophy centered on understanding and empathy.
Caprio is survived by his wife Joyce, with whom he was married for nearly 60 years, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The Providence Municipal Court was renamed in his honor in October 2023, recognizing his decades of service to the community.