Judge Frank Caprio, whose kindness in the courtroom touched millions around the world, has died at the age of 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His passing was confirmed on Wednesday, August 20, through a statement shared on his social media.
“Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer,” the post read. It remembered him as a man of “compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people,” whose warmth and humor left “an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
The message also honored him as more than a judge — describing him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. “His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired,” it continued. “In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.”
Alongside the tribute, several photos of Caprio were shared, including images of him with family and one in his familiar black robe from the bench.
Just a day before his passing was announced, Caprio recorded a heartfelt video from his hospital bed, telling his followers that he had “suffered a setback.” He once again asked for their prayers:
“I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more… The Almighty above is looking over us, so remember me please.”
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The clip, paired with a caption reading “As I continue this difficult battle, your prayers will lift my spirit”, became his final message to the public. A photo posted from his hospital room — where he smiled and gave a thumbs-up — also served as a thank-you for the outpouring of love he had received.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Caprio began serving as a municipal court judge in 1985 and retired in 2023. He became widely known through Caught in Providence, the reality court program that aired from 2018 to 2020 and showcased his unique blend of justice and compassion. The show earned four Daytime Emmy nominations, including three for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program, and made him a beloved figure on social media, where clips of his empathy in the courtroom often went viral.
One of his most famous moments came when he dismissed the case of a 96-year-old man ticketed for speeding while driving his ill son to a doctor’s appointment. Such decisions helped cement his reputation as “America’s kindest judge.”
In December 2023, Caprio shared that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, calling it “an insidious form of cancer.” At the time, he spoke with hope and faith: “I’m being treated by a wonderful team of doctors, both here in Rhode Island and at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. I pray that God guides their thoughts and their hands in their treatment of me.”
Judge Frank Caprio is survived by his wife Joyce, their five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
