Frank Caprio, Beloved ‘Nicest Judge in the World,’ Passes Away at 88

Frank Caprio, the cherished Rhode Island municipal judge widely known as the "nicest judge in the world," passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at the age of 88 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was announced through a heartfelt statement on his official Instagram account, which highlighted his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people. Caprio, a retired chief judge of the Providence Municipal Court, touched millions through his empathetic approach to justice, gaining international fame via his reality courtroom show Caught in Providence. His legacy as a jurist, family man, and advocate for kindness leaves an indelible mark on the world.

Born on November 24, 1936, in the Italian-American neighborhood of Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island, Caprio was the second of three sons to Antonio Caprio, an Italian immigrant who worked as a fruit peddler and milkman, and Filomena Caprio, whose family hailed from Naples, Italy. Growing up in humble circumstances, Caprio often credited his parents' kindness and community spirit for shaping his compassionate worldview. He attended Providence public schools, working as a dishwasher and shoe-shiner to support himself. A standout athlete, he won the Rhode Island state wrestling title in 1953 while at Central High School. Caprio went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Providence College in 1958 and later attended Suffolk University School of Law in Boston at night while teaching American government at Hope High School in Providence.

Caprio's legal and judicial career spanned over six decades, marked by a commitment to fairness and empathy. After passing the bar in 1965, he served in the Rhode Island Army National Guard from 1954 to 1962 and was elected to the Providence City Council from 1962 to 1968. In 1985, he became a municipal court judge in Providence, a role he held until his retirement in 2023. His courtroom became the stage for Caught in Providence, a television show that began airing locally in 2000 and later gained national syndication from 2018 to 2020. The show, produced by his brother Joe Caprio, showcased Caprio's unique blend of humor, compassion, and common sense as he handled minor violations like traffic tickets and parking citations. Clips from the show went viral, amassing over one billion views across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, where he had 3.4 million and 1.6 million followers, respectively.

Caprio's courtroom style stood in stark contrast to the often confrontational personas of other TV judges. He was known for listening to defendants' personal stories and offering leniency when warranted. In one memorable case, he dismissed a speeding ticket for a 96-year-old man who was driving his 63-year-old son, who had cancer, to a medical appointment, praising the man as a symbol of American family values. In another, he invited a young boy to the bench to help judge his mother's case, turning a tense moment into one of warmth and understanding. Caprio often used these interactions to impart life lessons, such as when he urged viewers not to skip out on restaurant bills after dismissing a ticket for a struggling bartender earning $3.84 an hour. His approach earned Caught in Providence four Daytime Emmy nominations, with Caprio himself nominated for a Daytime Personality award in 2024.

Beyond the courtroom, Caprio was a dedicated public servant and community advocate. He served as chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, overseeing major decisions for the state's public universities and colleges. He also established the Antonio "Tup" Caprio Scholarship Fund at Suffolk University School of Law, Providence College, and Central High School to support Rhode Island students committed to improving access to legal services in underserved communities. In 2023, the city of Providence honored his contributions by renaming its municipal courtroom after him, and he was sworn in as Chief Judge Emeritus, a ceremonial title, shortly before his retirement.

Caprio's battle with pancreatic cancer began in December 2023, shortly after his 87th birthday. He shared his diagnosis publicly, calling it an "insidious form of cancer" and expressing his determination to fight it with medical treatment and the power of prayer. In May 2024, he celebrated completing his final radiation treatment by ringing the bell at Baptist Health Cancer Care, a moment he shared with his followers. However, on August 19, 2025, Caprio posted a video from his hospital bed, revealing a setback in his treatment and asking for continued prayers. His final message underscored his faith and gratitude, a testament to the optimism that defined his life.

Tributes poured in from across the globe following his passing. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee described Caprio as a "treasure" and ordered state flags to fly at half-staff until his interment, praising him as a symbol of empathy on the bench. Joe Shekarchi, the Democratic speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, noted that Caprio's 88 years of service made the state a better place. Debmar-Mercury, the production company behind Caught in Providence, lauded his unique brand of compassion, with co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein stating they would miss him dearly. Caprio's son, David Caprio, thanked fans for their support, urging them to "spread a little kindness" in his father's memory.

Caprio's influence extended beyond the courtroom through his book, Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories From America's Nicest Judge, published in February 2025. In it, he shared lessons from his life and career, emphasizing kindness, mercy, and understanding. He often spoke of his father's impact, recalling a pivotal moment early in his judicial career when his father advised him to show empathy to a struggling mother facing parking fines. This lesson shaped his philosophy: to place himself in the shoes of those before him and to give the benefit of the doubt when possible.

Caprio is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce Caprio, their five children (Frank T., David, Marissa Caprio Pesce, John, and Paul), seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. An avid Boston Red Sox fan, he threw the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park in 2019. His family described him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, whose legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In a 2023 TikTok video, Caprio reflected on his career, saying, "Be kind to others, be slow to judge, and always show mercy." His life embodied these words, leaving a world inspired to carry forward his message of compassion.