Kathrine Frich
His family confirmed he passed away peacefully after a long fight with pancreatic cancer.
His family confirmed he passed away peacefully after a long fight with pancreatic cancer.
He Passed Away at 88 After a Brave Cancer Battle
Frank Caprio, known to millions as the kind and thoughtful face of Caught in Providence, died at the age of 88.
Just days before his death, Caprio had asked for prayers in a heartfelt Instagram video, sharing that he’d suffered a health setback and was back in hospital.
Born and Raised in Rhode Island
Caprio grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, where he was born in 1936 to an Italian-American family.
The second of three sons, he was raised in the working-class neighbourhood of Federal Hill.
His humble beginnings would shape his lifelong commitment to empathy and public service in the community he never left.
His Warmth Made Caught in Providence a Viral Hit
Judge Caprio became a global sensation through Caught in Providence, the reality court show filmed right in his municipal courtroom.
From 2018 to 2020, the show’s clips racked up more than a billion views across platforms like YouTube and TikTok, thanks to Caprio’s unique mix of humour, empathy, and everyday justice.
He Led the Municipal Court for Nearly 40 Years
Caprio served as chief municipal judge in Providence from 1985 until his retirement in 2023.
Over nearly four decades, he became a symbol of how justice can be compassionate.
“We live in a very contentious society,” he once said. “We can dispense justice without being oppressive.”
Caprio Always Led With Compassion and Humility
Whether he was dismissing parking tickets or listening to tragic stories, Caprio approached every case with genuine humanity.
One of his most shared moments involved a grieving mother whose son had been killed.
He listened quietly, then dismissed her fines without hesitation.
His Most Popular Moments Involved Children
Some of the judge’s most heartwarming clips involved inviting children to the bench to help decide their parents’ traffic violations.
These innocent courtroom exchanges became fan favourites, showing how Caprio used even small moments to teach kindness, fairness, and joy.
A Legacy That Lives On Far Beyond the Courtroom
Caprio is survived by his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
In their public tribute, his family called him “beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”
His message was simple but lasting: lead with your heart.
