Judge Frank Caprio, best known for his compassionate rulings on the television show “Caught in Providence,” has died at 88. His family announced his passing on his official Instagram page on August 20, 2025, and colleagues also paid tribute to his legacy.
Widely known as “The Nicest Judge in the World,” Caprio earned national admiration for his warmth, humor, and belief in the goodness of people. Millions came to know him through televised court sessions where his empathy and fairness left a lasting impression.
Caprio’s family reflected on those same qualities. “He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend,” the statement read. This sentiment was echoed by leaders in Rhode Island.
Judge Frank Caprio visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City, on September 20, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
In a joint statement, Senate President Valarie Lawson, Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone III, and Senate Majority Whip David Tikoian said, “Judge Caprio embodied the spirit of Rhode Island and its people.”
They added, “He truly saw the humanity in everyone, and his compassion inspired countless acts of kindness across the world. The entire Senate family mourns the passing of Judge Caprio and extends its heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.”
Caprio revealed in December 2023 that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In a video posted to Instagram, he said that what was normally one of his happiest occasions — his birthday — was overshadowed by the difficult news.
Despite his diagnosis, he remained optimistic and shared that he was being treated by doctors in Rhode Island and at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. “I know this is a long road, and I’m fully prepared to fight as hard as I can,” he added.
As his illness progressed, Caprio continued to share updates with the public. His final photo, posted on his social media, showed him smiling from his hospital bed and giving a thumbs-up, along with a message thanking supporters for their prayers, love, and encouragement.
Not long after, in one of his last public appearances, he again addressed his followers with humility, “Unfortunately I’ve had a setback, I’m back in the hospital now and I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more.”
According to his family, he passed away peacefully at 2:15 p.m. after a long and courageous battle with the disease.
Born November 24, 1936, in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood, Caprio was the son of Italian-American parents who raised three children while working as fruit sellers.
He shined shoes, delivered newspapers, and worked on a milk truck before attending Providence College and later Suffolk University, where he earned his law degree while teaching government at Hope High School.
His public service career began on the Providence City Council in 1962, followed by leadership roles in education, including chairing the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education.
As chief judge of the Providence Municipal Court, his courtroom became the setting for “Caught in Providence,” which went viral in 2017 and eventually drew billions of views. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2019.
Caprio also devoted much of his life to philanthropy. He created scholarships at Suffolk University, Providence College, and Central High School, founded the Filomena Fund to help residents pay traffic fines, and supported organizations including the Rhode Island Food Bank and Boys Town of Italy.
That spirit of service continued even after he left the bench. Caprio officially retired in October 2023 after nearly 40 years of service.
Reflecting on the transition in a Facebook post, he admitted that stepping away brought “some fear and uncertainty about what the future would hold.” Two years later, however, he said life had offered many unexpected opportunities.
“And while I do miss being on the bench and hearing all of your amazing stories, everywhere I go, I’m reminded that my legacy still lives on, and that is the most priceless gift in the world,” he said. So remember, just because one door is closing, don’t be afraid to open the next one and see what life has in store for you.”
Caprio’s death came just months after the passing of Pope Francis, another global figure remembered for his humility and compassion.
The Vatican News announced his death along with the Pope’s image and a caption noting he died at his residence in Casa Santa Marta on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel.
Farrell was scheduled to preside over a rite at 8 p.m. on Monday when the pope’s body was to be placed into a casket, a formality ahead of a funeral that had to be confirmed at the time of writing.
“Rest in peace,” one netizen shared in light of the harrowing news. Another added, “RIP Pope Francis. Christians and the Church has lost a very great and symbolic figure. May God’s blessings and power be with his family and the church at large,” while a third typed, “On Easter Monday of the faith. Monday of the angel.”
Pope Francis was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders around the world, many recognizing his attempts to reform a church plagued by internal scandals and bureaucratic infighting.
Pope Francis meeting Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni at Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, on December 7, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
When he was elected in 2013, he inherited an institution in turmoil, still reeling from global abuse crises and divisions within the Vatican’s leadership. He was tasked with restoring order and credibility.
Throughout his time as pope, he often found himself at odds with both ends of the ideological spectrum. Conservatives accused him of discarding cherished traditions, while progressives believed he failed to go far enough in transforming the Church’s doctrines and policies.
Pope Francis greeting soccer player Dani Alves during the launch of the Scholas Occurrentes International Movement at the Pontifical Urban University in Vatican City, on May 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Yet despite the backlash, Pope Francis remained one of the most globally recognized and admired religious figures, drawing enormous crowds during his international visits.
Pope Francis blessing a baby during his weekly audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, on February 12, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
His commitment to issues such as interfaith cooperation, global peace, and the plight of migrants helped define his legacy. Though his efforts were not without controversy, Pope Francis ultimately reshaped the tone and priorities of the modern papacy — leaving behind a church forever altered by his vision.
