Judge Frank Caprio, ‘The Kindest Judge in the World,’ Passes Away at 88
Frank Caprio, the beloved Providence, Rhode Island, judge whose compassionate courtroom rulings earned him the title “The Kindest Judge in the World,” passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 88. According to a statement posted on his official Instagram account, Caprio succumbed to pancreatic cancer after a courageous battle, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions through his television show Caught in Providence. His death, confirmed by his son to WPRI.com, has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and public figures alike, with Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee calling him a “Rhode Island treasure” who “faced his illness with bravery.”
Caprio’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis was announced in December 2023, shortly after his 87th birthday, in an emotional Instagram video where he shared, “I was not feeling well, and the report was not a good one.” Despite undergoing six months of chemotherapy and five radiation treatments, which he completed in May 2024, Caprio faced a setback, as revealed in a final video posted from his hospital bed on August 19, 2025. “I’m back in the hospital now, asking you to remember me in your prayers once more,” he said, thanking his 3.3 million Instagram followers for their support. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Known for his empathy and humor, Caprio presided over the Providence Municipal Court for nearly four decades, retiring in 2023. His reality show Caught in Providence, which aired locally before national syndication, showcased his unique approach to minor infractions, often dismissing tickets for those facing hardship. Viral clips, such as one where he spared a 96-year-old man a fine for speeding to take his son for cancer treatment, garnered billions of views, earning him a global following. “I don’t wear a badge under my robe; I wear a heart,” Caprio famously said, a sentiment echoed in tributes on X, with one user writing, “He showed what justice with compassion looks like” (@CourtroomFan).
Caprio’s impact extended beyond the courtroom. He founded the Antonio “Tup” Caprio Scholarship Fund at Suffolk University School of Law, supporting Rhode Island students, and was a devoted husband to Joyce Caprio for 60 years, father of five, and grandfather to seven. The Providence City Council honored him by renaming his courtroom in 2023. Governor McKee ordered flags flown at half-staff until Caprio’s interment, urging Rhode Islanders to do the same.
Caprio’s legacy of kindness, humility, and belief in human goodness will endure, as his family noted: “In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world.” His life’s work continues to inspire, reminding us that justice tempered with empathy can leave an indelible mark.
