Frank Caprio passed away at the age of 88.
Frank Caprio, the beloved Rhode Island judge whose empathetic courtroom demeanor and viral videos made him a global social media sensation, has passed away at the age of 88. His family announced his death, which came after a public battle with pancreatic cancer diagnosed in 2023.
For over four decades, Judge Frank Caprio presided over cases in his hometown of Providence, building a reputation for a unique blend of compassion and common sense. He became widely known as “the nicest judge in the world” for his ability to connect with defendants on a human level, often taking their personal circumstances into account.
His TV show, Caught in Providence, became a phenomenon on social media, with clips of his heartwarming interactions garnering billions of views. These viral moments included everything from inviting children to sit with him on the bench to creating a “mini-judge” plushie of himself. The show was nominated for three Daytime Emmys, with Caprio himself receiving two nominations last year.
In his final months, Judge Caprio was transparent about his health struggles. Following his diagnosis, he expressed that he was “fully prepared to fight as hard as I can.” In a later social media post, he announced a “setback” in his treatment, asking his millions of followers for their prayers.
In a tribute, his son, David Caprio, thanked fans for their support and urged them to “spread a little kindness” in his father’s memory. The company behind his show, Debmar-Mercury, praised his “unique brand of compassion and common sense approach.” On Instagram, he was remembered for his “warmth” and “unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”
Judge Caprio is survived by his wife, Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.