Judge Frank Caprio Dies At 88, Shared Heartfelt Message Hours Before Passing | Watch

Last Updated:August 21, 2025, 03:23 IST

Judge Caprio rose to international recognition through the television series Caught in Providence.

The show Caught in Providence was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2021 (Instagram/Frank Caprio)

Beloved American judge Frank Caprio, widely known for his compassionate approach to justice, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 88 after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. The news of his death was confirmed on his official Instagram page, which stated that he died “peacefully" and would be “remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend."

Caprio rose to international recognition through the television series Caught in Providence, which showcased his kind-hearted interactions with defendants in Providence’s Municipal Court. Often dealing with minor violations such as overdue parking tickets and traffic offences, Caprio’s empathetic approach to justice earned him admiration worldwide. His courtroom moments, frequently captured in viral videos, often ended with warm words, waived fines, or small acts of compassion that made a lasting impression on millions.

The show Caught in Providence was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2021, further cementing his reputation as “America’s Nicest Judge." Caprio served as a municipal judge in Providence, Rhode Island, from 1985 until his retirement in 2023.

Just hours before his passing, Caprio posted a final video message from his hospital bed, in which he expressed heartfelt gratitude and asked followers to keep him in their thoughts. “I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more. So I ask you again if it’s not too much that you can remember me in your prayers," he said in the emotional clip.

Caprio was first admitted to the bar in 1965 after studying law, and over the course of his long career, he became known not only for his rulings but also for the compassion that guided them. He chronicled some of his most memorable courtroom experiences in his book Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge.

Reflecting on his diagnosis in an earlier interview with CNA, Caprio shared, “My first reaction was disbelief. But then I thought: I have lived a life full of blessings. I’m not going to let this define my later years."

He is survived by his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Buzz Staff

A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.

A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.

Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 21, 2025, 03:23 IST

News viral Judge Frank Caprio Dies At 88, Shared Heartfelt Message Hours Before Passing | Watch

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