Retired Providence, Rhode Island Municipal Court Judge and former “Caught in Providence” star Frank Caprio has died.
According to a statement on his official Facebook page, Caprio died on Wednesday, Aug. 20 after battling 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 statement reads. “His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
Caprio had served as a Providence Municipal Court judge since 1985, according to his website. He retired in January 2023 and in October of that year, Providence renamed its municipal courtroom after Caprio.
His court is known worldwide due to the nationwide television show “Caught in Providence,” which was nominated for a Daytime Emmy award in 2021.
Known as the “nicest judge in the world,” Caprio gained fame on social media for his compassionate approach, often listening to drivers who’d gotten parking tickets and giving them a break.
Caprio also served 10 years as chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, which is the governing body for the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and Community College of Rhode Island.
At Suffolk University School of Law, he founded the Antonio “Tup” Caprio Scholarship Fund in honor of Caprio’s father, the website states. The award went to Rhode Island students who are committed to improving access to legal services in underserved neighborhoods.
He also established scholarships named in honor of his dad at Providence College and at Providence’s Central High School.
Shortly after his 87th birthday in December 2023, Caprio announced he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, WPRI reported. His final radiation treatment was the following May.
On Tuesday, Aug. 19, Caprio posted a video on Facebook and Instagram saying he was back in the hospital and asking for prayers.
“He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend,” Caprio’s official Facebook page wrote. “His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.”
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