Frank Caprio, the American judge who touched millions of hearts with his compassion in court, has passed away at the age of 88. He became widely popular through his TV show “Caught in Providence”, where courtroom videos of his kindness and empathy went viral worldwide. Caprio had been battling pancreatic cancer and died surrounded by his family.
Passing of a Beloved Judge
Frank Caprio, often called the “Kindest Judge in the World”, died at the age of 88 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
A statement shared on his official Facebook page confirmed the news. The former judge from Providence, Rhode Island, breathed his last after months of treatment.
The statement read:
“He was loved by everyone for his compassion, humility, and unshakable belief in humanity. Judge Caprio touched millions of lives both inside and outside the courtroom.”
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Rise to Popularity Through Viral Court Videos
Frank Caprio became a familiar face through his TV show “Caught in Providence”, which started broadcasting in 2000. The show captured real moments inside his courtroom, where he often showed empathy, understanding, and forgiveness to people in need.
Many of these clips went viral on social media, making him internationally popular. His show even received four Daytime Emmy nominations.
Because of his compassion, people began calling him “The World’s Kindest Judge.”
His Philosophy of Compassion
During the promotion of his book “Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge”, Caprio explained where his values came from:
“Qualities like compassion, understanding, and kindness came from my upbringing. My parents were from Italy; they cared for their neighbors and helped them. Those influences truly shaped my life.”
In an interview with NBC Boston in 2024, he said:
“Sometimes, just by putting a hand on someone’s shoulder and telling them you believe in them, you can change their life.”
Early Life and Career
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Frank Caprio was born on November 23, 1936, in Providence, Rhode Island.
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Before entering law, he worked as a teacher at Hope High School, teaching U.S. government and political systems.
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At the same time, he studied law at Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, attending evening classes.
Frank Caprio later served as a municipal court judge in Providence for nearly five decades, from 1985 to 2023.
His Battle with Cancer
In December 2023, shortly after his 87th birthday, Caprio revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
By May 2024, he completed his final round of radiation therapy. However, in his last Instagram video shared on a Tuesday, he told his followers about his declining health and hospitalization:
“My physical condition has worsened, and I have been admitted to the hospital again.”
Family and Legacy
At the time of his death, Frank Caprio left behind his wife Joyce Caprio, his partner of nearly 60 years, along with five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Judge Frank Caprio will be remembered not just as a legal authority, but as a man whose kindness inside the courtroom gave hope to millions around the world.
Source: TBS
