Beloved “Nicest Judge in the World” Frank Caprio Dies at 88

August 21, 2025 | PROVIDENCE, R.I.

Judge Frank Caprio, celebrated for his warmth and humor, passed away quietly on August 20, 2025. He was 88 and had been facing pancreatic cancer for a long time. His family shared the news in a statement. They described his last hours as peaceful and thanked fans around the world for their love.

Caprio spent almost 40 years on the Providence Municipal Court. His down-to-earth stories and kind rulings brought him fame through the Emmy-nominated series Caught in Providence./em>. The show, which started airing nationally in 2018, featured touching moments. For example, it highlighted a 96-year-old man who had his speeding ticket dismissed. This story resonated on social media and gained over a billion views.

Just hours before he passed away, Caprio shared a heartfelt video from his hospital bed. He asked his followers to “remember me in your prayers once more.” He called prayer and medical treatment “the most powerful weapon” in his fight. In his last Instagram post, he thanked his supporters for their encouragement. He also reflected on the kindness that shaped his career.

Governor Dan McKee ordered Rhode Island flags to fly at half-staff until Caprio’s burial. He called Caprio “a Rhode Island treasure.” His legacy of empathy and fairness “will endure in the countless acts of kindness he inspired.” The Caprio family remembered him as more than a judicial icon. They called him “a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.” They noted that “his warmth, humor, and belief in people’s goodness left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.”

Caprio was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 2023. In 2024, he faced extensive treatment, including both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In May 2024, he marked the end of his radiation treatment. He rang the “bell of healing” at the Miami Cancer Institute. Medical staff and loved ones joined him for this special moment. His candidness about his illness shed light on a often-missed disease. It also highlighted his enduring message that justice can be served with kindness.

Frank Caprio is survived by his wife Joyce, who he was married to for nearly 60 years. He leaves behind five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in the coming days. His impact on the legal community and millions of viewers lasts. It shows how empathy and humanity can change a courtroom and the world.