On August 20, 2025, the world bid farewell to one of its kindest public servants—Judge Frank Caprio, who passed away at the age of 88 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Known globally as the “nicest judge in the world,” Caprio’s legacy is not just one of legal rulings, but of empathy, humor, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people2.
👨⚖️ A Life Rooted in Humble Beginnings
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Born on November 23, 1936, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Italian immigrant parents, Frank Caprio grew up on Federal Hill, shining shoes and delivering newspapers.
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He attended Central High School, where he earned all-state honors in wrestling, later inducted into the Rhode Island Wrestling Hall of Fame.
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While teaching American government at Hope High School, he attended Suffolk University Law School at night, earning his law degree in 1965.
📺 The Rise of “Caught in Providence”
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Caprio became a Municipal Court Judge in Providence in 1985 and served until his retirement in 2023.
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His courtroom was unlike any other—where justice met kindness. He became a viral sensation through his show Caught in Providence, which aired locally for decades before becoming nationally syndicated in 2018.
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Clips of Caprio listening to everyday people, forgiving fines, and offering heartfelt advice amassed over a billion views online.
💬 Moments That Touched Millions
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Whether it was calling children to the bench to help judge their parents or forgiving tickets for foster mothers, Caprio’s rulings were filled with compassion and understanding.
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He often said, “I don’t wear a badge under my robe—I wear a heart”.
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His memoir, Compassion in the Court, captured many of these life-changing stories and was published shortly before his passing.
👨👩👧👦 A Devoted Family Man
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Caprio was married to his wife Joyce for 62 years and was a proud father of five, grandfather to seven, and great-grandfather to two.
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His children remember him not just as a judge, but as the best dad in the world, always present at games, school events, and family dinners.
🌍 A Global Impact
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People traveled from as far as the Philippines and France to attend his memorial services in Rhode Island.
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Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called him a “Rhode Island treasure” and ordered flags flown at half-staff in his honor.
🙏 Saying Goodbye
Judge Frank Caprio was laid to rest with love, respect, and gratitude from millions whose lives he touched. His courtroom was a sanctuary of hope, and his legacy is a reminder that justice doesn’t have to be cold—it can be kind.
So today, we say:
Thank you, Judge Caprio. Thank you for showing us that compassion is powerful. See ya later, Your Honor. You’ll always be in session in our hearts. 💙
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