Frank Caprio, Viral ‘Caught in Providence’ Judge, Dead at 88
Frank Caprio, widely recognised for his empathetic approach in Providence courtrooms, has died at the age of 88, his son David announced in a social media post on Wednesday.
The former Providence Municipal Court judge succumbed to pancreatic cancer, according to a statement issued online.
“Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond,” the statement reads. “His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
David Caprio noted in a video that the encouragement his father received helped him live 18 months beyond the initial prognosis.
Millions became familiar with Caprio through viral clips of him presiding over traffic violations and other minor offences, where his empathy and wit resonated with viewers.
Raised on Federal Hill in Providence as the middle of three sons, he once shined shoes, delivered newspapers, and worked on a milk truck before entering public service.
Providence College granted him a degree in 1958, after which he began teaching American government at a local high school while studying nights at Suffolk University School of Law.
From 1985 until 2023, he served as a judge on the Providence Municipal Court.
A national audience came to know him through Caught in Providence, the Emmy-nominated series that aired between 2018 and 2020, showcasing his handling of day-to-day traffic and misdemeanor cases.
His pancreatic cancer diagnosis was revealed publicly in December 2023, with Caprio saying he hoped his story would motivate others facing the disease.
During a 2024 appearance on CBS Mornings, he explained that his deep concern for people came from growing up poor in Providence, without hot running water, near the courthouse later named in his honour.
He reflected that his father had taught him to always imagine himself in the place of those who stood before him, and to treat them as he would want to be treated.
Speaking to CBS News, Caprio admitted that the illness changed even his nightly prayers, which began to include a plea for his treatment to succeed.
His family includes his wife of nearly sixty years, Joyce, along with five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
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