Providence, Rhode Island — Judge Frank Caprio, widely celebrated for his empathetic courtroom style and fame from the TV series Caught in Providence, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, following a protracted battle with pancreatic cancer.
Caprio’s passing was confirmed via his official Instagram account, where the family described his demise as peaceful after a “long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer” . Just a day before, he had shared an emotional video from his hospital bed, thanking supporters for their prayers and asking for continued remembrance.
A Career Grounded in Kindness
Judge Caprio served as the chief municipal judge of Providence from 1985 until his retirement in 2023—nearly four decades on the bench . His approach—rooted in empathy, fairness, and a keen understanding of people’s struggles—earned him the affectionate moniker “the nicest judge in the world”.
He rose to international recognition through Caught in Providence (2018–2020), a reality courtroom series featuring real-life traffic and misdemeanor cases. The show received multiple Daytime Emmy nominations, and countless courtroom clips went viral, amplifying his message of compassionate justice.
A Legacy Defined by Compassion
Caprio was lauded not only for his judicial work but also as a devoted family man—a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee honored Caprio’s memory by ordering state flags flown at half-mast, calling him “a Rhode Island treasure” and recognizing him as “a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity”.
Caprio’s social media presence further showcased his compassion; with millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok (over 3 million on the former), he extended his reach far beyond the courtroom.
Judge Frank Caprio’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in which justice and humanity were beautifully intertwined. His legacy lives on—not just in viral videos but in the countless lives he touched and inspired.
