August 20, 2025 — Providence, Rhode Island
Judge Frank Caprio, the beloved face of courtroom compassion and viral justice, has died at the age of 88 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Caprio, who served as Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court from 1985 to 2023, became a global icon through his reality TV series Caught in Providence. His gentle rulings on traffic violations and heartfelt exchanges with defendants earned him the title “America’s nicest judge,” and his videos amassed over a billion views worldwide.
Born to Italian immigrant parents and raised in poverty on Federal Hill, Caprio’s empathy was shaped by his early life. He shined shoes, delivered newspapers, and worked on a milk truck before teaching government and attending law school at night. His courtroom philosophy was simple: “Put yourself in their shoes. Imagine it’s you before the bench. How would you want to be treated?”
In December 2023, Caprio publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis, hoping his journey would inspire others. Even in his final days, he shared messages of hope and gratitude. His last words, recorded from his hospital bed, were: “The Almighty above is looking over us, so remember me please”.
Caprio is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce, along with five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called him “a treasure,” ordering flags flown at half-mast in his honor.
From courtroom benches to social media feeds, Judge Caprio leaves behind a legacy of justice served with kindness—a reminder that compassion can be as powerful as the law itself.