Judge Frank Caprio of Rhode Island, who gained nationwide attention through both television and social media, died from complications due to pancreatic cancer at the age of 88. On August 20 it was posted on his official Instagram account announcing his death was peaceful after a lengthy and courageous illness. He was well-known as the “Nicest Judge in the World,” for his humility and compassion. The statement said he was a respected judge and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who left behind a legacy of compassion and humanity.

In December of 2023, Caprio announced his cancer diagnosis and said his birthday was like no other birthday he had previously experienced. His last public message was on August 19, referencing a visit he received while in recovery and encouraging his supporters to continue remembering him in prayer after a setback in his health.

A Life in Law and Public Service

Frank Caprio Judge
Frank Caprio gained fans all over the world with his amassed popularity on social media.

 

Judge Caprio was born on November 24, 1936, in Providence’s Federal Hill area. After he graduated from Providence College in 1958, Caprio started to work in education as a teacher at Hope High School while going to law school at Suffolk University. He also served with the Rhode Island Army National Guard. In 1962, he entered the realm of public service as a Councilman for the City of Providence for six years, before becoming a Municipal Court Chief Judge in Providence, where he served from 1985 to 2023.

Caprio began to rise to national prominence in part by virtue of his television show called Caught in Providence, which originally began to air locally before WLNE-TV took it national around 2000. By the late 2010s, clips of the show were going viral all over the world and found Caprio exuding his gentleness but firmness with defendants, as he was handling minor cases. His exchanges with defendants drew millions of social media followers including more than 1.6 million followers on TikTok and 3 million followers on Instagram. The show was nominated for Daytime Emmy Awards between 2018 and 2020.

Community Work and Tributes

 

Outside of the courtroom, Caprio was heavily engaged in education and community service. He founded the Antonio “Tup” Caprio Scholarship Fund at Suffolk University for students in need of financial assistance, served on Providence College’s President’s Council and contributed to local charities such as the Rhode Island Food Bank.

After the announcement of his death, tributes flowed in across all accounts. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called him an “unbelievable Rhode Island treasure” in a post on X, and said flags flying at government buildings will now fly at half-staff in memory of Caprio. Social media contained an abundance of messages from fans who remembered him not only as a judge but as a person of fairness and compassion, who inspired millions. His legacy will include a strong commitment to justice, an unwavering commitment to his community and a belief in the importance of kindness in everyday life.