Frank Caprio, beloved municipal judge and 'Caught in Providence' star, dies at 88

Longtime Providence Municipal Court Chief Judge Frank Caprio died Wednesday, Aug. 20, after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family confirmed through social media.

He was 88.

"Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer," the family wrote on Facebook. "In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world – just as he did every day."

Gov. Dan McKee ordered all Rhode Island flags at all state agencies and buildings be flown at half staff until Caprio's internment.

"Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure," McKee said in a statement. "

"On a personal level, he was a friend who faced his illness with bravery, and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time," McKee said. "Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way, and people could not help but respond to his warmth and compassion. He was more than a jurist—he was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity."

Who was Judge Frank Caprio?

Caprio, star of the beloved reality TV series "Caught in Providence," was known for handling traffic violations with empathy and humor, giving viewers around the globe a peek inside an everyday city courtroom. The show ran for more than two decades, being featured on local television before being nationally syndicated. Through their screens, audiences saw Caprio prompt laughter and pull heartstrings while leveling with ordinary Rhode Islanders who made mistakes or were down on their luck.

"I don't wear a badge under my robe," Caprio said more than once. "I wear a heart."

The "Caught in Providence" YouTube channel continued to publish new videos featuring footage from Caprio's days in the courtroom after he stepped down, with new content appearing as recently as eight months ago.

Caprio also published a memoir, "Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America's Nicest Judge," in February.

Caprio was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023

The judge announced his diagnosis in December 2023, crediting a "wonderful team of doctors" stretching from Boston to Providence, but acknowledging that he was up against an "insidious form of cancer." The judge said he wasn't feeling well around his 87th birthday, which prompted a doctor's visit.

Caprio kept his 1.7 million Instagram followers up to date with occasional posts about his health, sharing one video of himself undergoing a round of chemotherapy while listening to singer-songwriter Jewel, whom he said brought him peace. Jewel said she was "honored that I can bring some small amount of compassion and comfort" to the judge.

Caprio was sworn into a chief judge emeritus role in October 2023. The title, strictly ceremonial, came with neither pay nor time on the bench. News of the role change broke nearly a year before, when his son and "Caught in Providence" producer David Caprio told The Providence Journal that the judge made a deal with the City Council to transition out of his working role and into his emeritus role. At the time, it was unclear what that meant, as even the council spokesman, Parker Gavigan, was unsure of what it would entail.

Providence Democrat Rep. John Lombardi succeeded Caprio as chief judge of the court.

In an interview at his swearing in, Caprio was excited that "Caught in Providence" had seen a Daytime Emmy nomination for the third year in a row. As in past years, it ultimately didn't win, but it went head-to-head with major courtroom dramas such as "Judge Judy" and "The People's Court."

Caprio joked that maybe the third time would be the charm, vowing to go for a fourth if it didn't work out.

Lawmakers say Caprio used his position for the greater good

Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, in a statement, lauded Caprio's "88 years of service to Providence and the entire state," saying he made Rhode Island a better place.

"Judge Caprio utilized his position for the greater good and helped countless individuals who appeared before him to turn their lives around," Shekarchi said. "His community involvement and charitable endeavors extended far beyond his role in the court; he generously gave of his time and resources to so many worthy causes."

This is a breaking story. More to come.

With reports from staff writer Antonia Noori Farzan

(Source:providencejournal)