Judge Frank Caprio, Beloved For Viral Court Videos, Dies At 88 From Pancreatic Cancer
•By Admin
LAGOS – Judge Frank Caprio, fondly known as the “nicest judge in the world” for his compassion in the courtroom and viral TV moments, has died at the age of 88.
According to a statement released on his official Facebook page, the former Providence, Rhode Island, Municipal Court judge passed away peacefully after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
“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,” the family’s statement read. “His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
Caprio gained global recognition through his hit courtroom TV show, Caught in Providence, which began airing in 2000. Clips of the series, where he often displayed empathy and leniency toward those appearing before him, went viral on social media, earning him four Daytime Emmy nominations.
Reflecting on his approach to justice in a February 2025 interview while promoting his book, Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge, Caprio said his values stemmed from his Italian immigrant parents. “Sometimes you can change somebody’s life just by placing your hand on their shoulder and telling them you believe in them,” he said.
Born on November 23, 1936, in Providence, Caprio taught American government at Hope High School before earning his law degree at Suffolk University in Boston. He later served as a Providence Municipal Court Judge from 1985 until 2023, dedicating nearly four decades to the bench.
In December 2023, shortly after his 87th birthday, Caprio revealed in an emotional video that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He documented his treatment journey publicly, sharing his reliance on both medical care and prayer. By May 2024, he had completed radiation treatment but later disclosed a setback in his health.
Judge Caprio is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce, their five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.