Beloved TV Judge, Frank Caprio Dies at 88 After Cancer Battle
Frank Caprio, the widely admired judge who became a global household name through the hit courtroom series Caught in Providence, has died at the age of 88.
He passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Caprio, often called “America’s kindest judge,” announced his diagnosis in late 2023, describing it as one of the hardest challenges of his life.
He underwent radiation treatment in 2024 and shared moments of hope with his fans, including the day he rang the bell to celebrate completing treatment. Despite his determination, his health declined in recent months. A day before his passing, he posted a heartfelt message from his hospital bed, asking supporters for prayers.
Born on November 24, 1936, to Italian immigrant parents in Providence, Caprio lived a life rooted in community service. He began his legal career in the 1960s and went on to serve as Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court for nearly four decades, from 1985 until his retirement in 2023.
His judicial style—firm but tempered with humor, patience, and compassion—set him apart in a profession often defined by rigidity.
His fame grew beyond Rhode Island when Caught in Providence began broadcasting clips of his courtroom sessions. Cases involving minor traffic violations became viral sensations, with millions of viewers around the world drawn to the humanity he showed defendants.
From forgiving fines for struggling families to sharing lighthearted jokes with nervous drivers, Caprio turned the courtroom into a place of empathy as much as justice.
Beyond his television persona, Caprio remained committed to education and civic engagement. He was an advocate for scholarships and community programs, using his influence to give back to the city where he was born and raised.
Caprio is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce, along with their five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Tributes have poured in from both local leaders and global admirers, many highlighting how his courtroom decisions reminded the world that justice could be both fair and compassionate. In the words of one admirer online, “Judge Caprio didn’t just pass judgments, he passed kindness.”
Frank Caprio leaves behind a legacy that transcends law. To millions, he was more than a judge on television—he was a symbol of humanity, reminding the world that justice, at its best, is guided by compassion.
