Frank Caprio, Beloved ‘Nicest Judge in the World,’ Dies at 88 After Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Frank Caprio, the retired municipal judge from Rhode Island who became a global symbol of kindness in justice and earned the title of the “Nicest Judge in the World,” has died at 88 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
His family confirmed that Caprio passed away peacefully on August 20. The news was announced through his official Instagram account, where a heartfelt statement described him as “beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people.” It added: “Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His warmth, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. In his honour, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.”
Caprio gained international fame through Caught in Providence, a courtroom reality show that aired nationally from 2018 to 2020. The program showcased his unique style of justice — combining fairness with empathy, humour, and deep humanity. Clips of his rulings went viral on social media, with millions captivated by moments in which he dismissed fines for struggling families, invited children to the bench to help decide cases, or lightened penalties with laughter and compassion.
His viral popularity transformed him into an unlikely internet star in his later years. Caprio amassed more than 1.5 million followers on TikTok and over 3 million on Instagram, platforms where his short videos were viewed tens of millions of times. For many around the world, he became the face of justice as it could be: not cold and punitive, but compassionate and human.
Caprio had been public about his illness. In 2023, around his birthday, he revealed in an emotional video that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “This birthday is a little different than any other I have ever had,” he said at the time. “Quite recently, I was not feeling well and received a medical examination and the report was not a good one. And so I have been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, which is an insidious form of cancer.”
Even in his final weeks, he continued to communicate with the public. Just a day before his passing, he posted a video from his hospital bed revealing that he had suffered a medical setback. “Last year I asked you to pray for me, and it’s very obvious that you did because I came through a very difficult period,” he said. “Unfortunately, I’ve had a setback. I’m back in the hospital now and I’m coming to you again, asking you to remember me in your prayers once more.”
Tributes have poured in across social media, with admirers remembering him as a “compassionate” and “amazing” man. Many shared their favorite clips from Caught in Providence, recalling the judge whose gentle wisdom often brought them to tears or laughter.
Born in Providence in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents, Caprio worked his way through college and law school before building a legal career marked by decades of service. He served as chief judge of the Providence Municipal Court for many years, earning the respect of colleagues and citizens alike. Beyond the courtroom, he devoted himself to philanthropy and education, often sponsoring scholarships and championing causes close to his community.
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Frank Caprio is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce, their five children, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family has urged those touched by his legacy to honor him by showing kindness to others — the very value he embodied throughout his life and career.