Frank Caprio, the Rhode Island judge whose compassionate approach in the courtroom made him a viral sensation and earned him the title of the “nicest judge in the world,” has died at the age of 88.
According to a statement shared on his official social media pages, Caprio passed away peacefully after what was described as a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
A judge who touched millions
Caprio served as a Providence Municipal Court Judge from 1985 until 2023, but it was his unique way of presiding over cases that brought him worldwide recognition. His courtroom moments, often filled with empathy, humour and understanding, were captured in his reality TV show Caught in Providence.
The programme, which began in 2000 and later gained international popularity, was nominated for multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and went viral on social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram.
Clips of Caprio forgiving minor offences, showing patience to struggling defendants, or offering heartfelt words of encouragement spread across the internet, amassing millions of views. He built a social media following of more than three million on Instagram and over 1.6 million on TikTok.
For many, he was not just a judge but a symbol of compassion in an often unforgiving world.
“Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond,” read the family’s statement. “His warmth, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
The statement also remembered him as “a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend,” noting that his legacy lives on in the acts of kindness he inspired.
Facing illness with courage
In December 2023, Caprio revealed publicly that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He shared the news in an emotional video, describing the illness as “an insidious form of cancer.” Despite his struggle, he often addressed his followers directly, asking them to keep him in their prayers.
In a recent video, posted just a day before his death, he once again reached out to supporters, saying he had suffered a setback but continued to draw strength from their encouragement.
Rhode Island pays tribute
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee paid tribute on X, describing Caprio as a “Rhode Island treasure” who “faced his illness with bravery.” The governor added, “I will miss him dearly,” and ordered flags across the state to be flown at half mast in his honour.
For those who knew him personally, and for the millions who only knew him through a screen, Judge Frank Caprio will be remembered not only as a respected jurist but as a man who showed how far kindness can go, even in a courtroom.
