Frank Caprio, the widely admired U.S. judge who gained international fame for his empathy and kindness in court, has died at the age of 88.
His family confirmed the news on Wednesday through a video shared on his official Instagram page.
Caprio, who spent nearly four decades on the bench before retiring in 2023, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his son, David Caprio.
“Judge Caprio was beloved around the world for his deep compassion, humility, and unwavering faith in humanity,” the family said in a separate statement, describing him as “a true example of what it means to serve with heart.”
Caprio became a household name through his courtroom TV show Caught in Providence, which aired from 2000 and showed him presiding over minor traffic and parking violation cases with extraordinary empathy.
His gentle manner and often humorous interactions, especially with children and elderly defendants, resonated with viewers globally.
Clips from the show attracted tens of millions of views online, earning him the nickname “America’s Nicest Judge.”
Just a day before his passing, Caprio shared a heartfelt video from his hospital bed asking fans for prayers, revealing that he had suffered a recent health setback.
Born in 1936 in Providence, Rhode Island, Caprio came from humble beginnings.
He worked various jobs growing up, shining shoes and delivering newspapers, before attending Suffolk University Law School at night while teaching school during the day.
He eventually became Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court, a position he held from 1985 until his retirement.
In 2022, Caprio published an autobiography titled Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge, reflecting on his unique approach to justice and the lives he touched.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee paid tribute to Caprio, calling him “a symbol of empathy on the bench” and announcing that flags across the state would fly at half-staff in his honor.
“He will be remembered not only as a respected jurist but also as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend,” his family added.
