Frank Caprio, the retired Rhode Island judge who captured the hearts of millions with his compassionate and humorous courtroom demeanor, has passed away at the age of 88.
Gatekeepers News reports that his family announced his passing in a statement on his official Instagram account on Wednesday evening, revealing that he had been battling pancreatic cancer since December 2023.
“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, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
The family described Caprio as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who was “deeply dedicated to both his public role and his private life”. They remembered him as someone who “touched the lives of millions” and left a legacy of kindness.
Just hours before his passing, Caprio had asked for continued prayers from the public, sharing that he had suffered another setback after over a year of battling the illness. His son, Frank Caprio Jr., echoed his father’s message, urging the public to “show kindness to one another”.
Caprio’s courtroom show “Caught in Providence” showcased his unique approach to justice, where he would often dismiss fines and encourage defendants to perform acts of charity instead. His leniency and compassion resonated deeply with a global audience, making him a symbol of kindness and empathy within the justice system.
The judge’s videos garnered hundreds of millions of views across social media platforms, with 2.92 million subscribers on YouTube alone. His legacy continues to inspire countless acts of kindness, and his family has asked that in his honour, people strive to bring a little more compassion into the world.
