August 22, 2025 | 02:39 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Frank Caprio, the beloved former judge of Providence Municipal Court in Rhode Island, United States, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the age of 88 after a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer.
News of his passing was announced on his official Facebook page, where he was remembered as more than just a jurist. “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,” the statement read.
A Judge Who Ruled With Compassion
Caprio became a household name around the world thanks to his television show Caught in Providence, which aired since 2000 and showcased real cases from his courtroom. His gentle approach, often mixing humor, empathy, and fairness, earned him the nickname “the kindest judge in the world.”
Clips of his courtroom interactions frequently went viral on social media, moving audiences to tears and proving that justice could be served with kindness. The show earned four Daytime Emmy nominations and cemented his reputation as a symbol of humanity in the legal system.
Family’s Tribute
His son, David Caprio, said the overwhelming public support gave his father strength during his illness. “It was the love and support he received from all of you that lifted his spirits and boosted his soul to find the strength to fight on and outlive his diagnosis by a year and a half,” David told CBS News.
In December 2023, Caprio openly shared his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer through a heartfelt video. “I know this is going to be a long road and I am ready to fight with all my might. I need prayers, which I believe, along with medical treatment, are the most powerful weapons to survive,” he said at the time.
He completed his final round of radiation therapy in May 2024, ringing the bell at Baptist Health Cancer Care, a moment he shared with the public who had followed his journey.
From Humble Beginnings to National Icon
Born on November 23, 1936, in Providence, Rhode Island, Frank Caprio grew up in a working-class immigrant family. His father, Antonio, worked as a fruit peddler and milk delivery man, while his mother, Filomena, was a homemaker.
Caprio himself worked odd jobs as a child, from shining shoes and delivering milk to delivering newspapers. Despite modest beginnings, he pursued education with determination, teaching American government at Hope High School while attending Suffolk University School of Law in Boston at night.
In 1985, he was appointed to the Providence Municipal Court, where he served until his retirement in 2023. Over nearly four decades, he transformed the image of a courtroom judge into one of empathy and understanding.
Legacy and Honors
For his lifelong contributions, Caprio received honorary doctorates from Suffolk University (1991), Providence College (2008), and the University of Rhode Island (2016). He was also inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and served as commencement speaker at Boston University School of Law in 2020.
Beyond accolades, however, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched—whether it was a struggling motorist in his courtroom, a student watching Caught in Providence abroad, or viewers who saw in him a rare example of justice served with a smile.
Frank Caprio is survived by his wife of nearly six decades, Joyce, along with their five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
His life, both on and off the bench, leaves behind a lasting reminder: that compassion, even in the halls of justice, can change the world.
Editor’s Choice: Frank Caprio, America's Most Beloved Judge Dies at 88
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