💡 Key Message: Judge Frank Caprio, known worldwide for his compassion on the TV show “Caught in Providence”, has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and justice.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Judge Frank Caprio, who presided over the Providence Municipal Court for nearly 40 years and rose to fame on the hit courtroom television series Caught in Providence, has died at the age of 88. His son confirmed the news on Wednesday.
📌 A Judge Known for Compassion
Frank Caprio became a beloved figure thanks to his empathy, humor, and down-to-earth approach to justice. Millions around the world came to know him through Caught in Providence, where he often dismissed tickets after listening to residents’ heartfelt personal stories. The show even earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2021.
📖 Early Life and Career
Born and raised in Federal Hill, Providence, Caprio was the second of three sons. As a child, he worked shining shoes, delivering newspapers, and riding a milk truck, following his parents’ hardworking example. He graduated from Central High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Providence College. While teaching American Government at Hope High School, he attended night classes at Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, beginning his path into the legal profession.
⚖️ Nearly Four Decades on the Bench
Caprio was elected as a judge in 1985. For almost four decades, he served Providence with humility and fairness. His courtroom was widely known for blending justice with compassion, turning municipal cases into moments of humanity. He officially retired in January 2023, after which the Providence Municipal Court was renamed in his honor.
🎓 Commitment to Education and Scholarships
Beyond the bench, Caprio championed higher education. He served for ten years as chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, overseeing the state’s universities and colleges. At Suffolk Law, he established the Antonio “Tup” Caprio Scholarship Fund, named after his father, to support students dedicated to expanding access to legal services in underserved areas. Additional scholarships in his father’s name were also created at Providence College and Central High School.
🙏 Final Years and Legacy
In December 2023, shortly after his 87th birthday, Judge Caprio revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He completed his last radiation treatment in May 2024 but shared recently that he had returned to the hospital, asking for prayers from his supporters. On Wednesday, his family announced his passing, praising him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose kindness inspired countless acts of goodwill.
Judge Caprio is survived by his wife, Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
🌟 A Lasting Legacy
Judge Frank Caprio will be remembered as more than a TV personality. He was a compassionate leader in justice, a passionate educator, and a lifelong public servant whose warmth touched millions across the globe. His legacy lives on through the lives he impacted, the scholarships he created, and the enduring message of kindness he shared from the bench.
