Judge Frank Caprio, the American jurist celebrated worldwide for his compassionate courtroom style on the hit TV show Caught in Providence, has died at the age of 88 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
His family confirmed the news in a statement on Instagram, saying he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Remembering him as a man of “compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people,” the family said Caprio’s legacy extends far beyond the courtroom, where he touched millions through both his rulings and personal kindness.
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Caprio, who began practicing law in 1965, served as a municipal judge in Providence, Rhode Island, from 1985 until his retirement in 2023. His popularity soared when Caught in Providence began airing, showcasing his unique approach to minor offenses such as traffic violations and parking tickets. With empathy and fairness, he often listened to defendants’ personal struggles before deciding whether to waive fines, earning him the affectionate title of “America’s Nicest Judge.”
The program earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2021, and Caprio later chronicled his experiences in his book Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge.
In his final hours, Caprio recorded a moving video message from his hospital bed, asking supporters to keep him in their prayers. He is survived by his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
