Retired Judge Frank Caprio dies at 88

Retired Judge Frank Caprio Dies at 88: A Legacy of Kindness

Retired Judge Frank Caprio dies at 88

        

Retired **Chief Judge Frank Caprio** of Providence Municipal Court passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at the age of 88 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

From Humble Beginnings to Online Sensation

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1936, Caprio grew up in the Italian-American community of Federal Hill. His father worked as a fruit peddler, and young Frank held jobs like dishwashing, shoe-shining, and delivering newspapers. He earned his BA from Providence College in 1958 and later a JD from Suffolk University while teaching high school during the day and attending law school at night.

Retired Judge Frank Caprio dies at 88

        

A Career Shaped by Empathy

Appointed as Chief Judge in 1985, Caprio served the Providence Municipal Court until his retirement in 2023, nearly 40 years on the bench. He also chaired the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education and established scholarship funds to support students in Rhode Island, notably the Antonio Caprio Scholarship at Suffolk Law, and others at Providence College and his high school alma mater .

"Caught in Providence": Where Justice Meets Heart

Caprio gained international fame through the reality-TV series *Caught in Providence*, which aired from 2018 to 2020 and earned multiple Daytime Emmy nominations.

His judicial style—funny, empathetic, and fair—made him a viral star. Clips from his court, where he’d often dismiss minor tickets or involve children to help decide outcomes, garnered over **one billion views** across social media platforms.

Caprio's approach resonated globally, with fans from the U.S. to China praising his humanity and the reminder that justice can—and should—be delivered with compassion .

Retired Judge Frank Caprio dies at 88

        

 His Final Fight and Final Words

Caprio announced his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in December 2023. After completing radiation by mid-2024, he faced a health setback in August 2025, reaching out to supporters from his hospital bed before passing away the next day .

A Legacy Etched in Kindness

His passing was met with waves of tributes. Governor Dan McKee called Caprio a “Rhode Island treasure” and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff ,. Colleagues, public figures, and fans remembered him as warm, humble, and a living symbol of empathetic justice.

Caprio is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce; five children (including Frank T. and David); seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren .

Why He Mattered

Judge Caprio wasn’t just a jurist—he was a heart in the judicial system. He challenged the notion that fairness lacked compassion, showing that leniency and accountability can walk hand in hand. Through visuals both viral and heartfelt, he reminded us that a kind word or a thoughtful gesture can transform a moment—and often, a life .