Frank Caprio, the retired Rhode Island municipal judge known worldwide through his courtroom TV show Caught in Providence, passed away at 88 after a prolonged fight with pancreatic cancer.

His official social media pages confirmed the news on Wednesday, paying tribute to him as “beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”

The note added that his humour, kindness, and warmth “touched countless lives.”

“Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His warmth, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired,” the post said.

Final message to followers

Just a day before his passing, Caprio had shared a moving video on Instagram, revealing a setback in his treatment. “Unfortunately, I’ve had a setback, and I’m back at the hospital,” he said.

Asking people to keep him in their thoughts, he added, “As I continue this difficult battle, your prayers will lift my spirit. I’m a great believer in the power of prayers.”

Family’s announcement

His son, David Caprio, also announced the news through Instagram. “It is with profound sadness that I with you the news that my father judge Frank Caprio passed away today peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. After a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank each and every one of you, for your prayers, your thoughts and your unwavering support for him throughout his journey,” David said in the video.

He added, “In his memory, please spread a little kindness today.”

Tributes pour in

Caprio’s passing sparked an outpouring of grief online, with tributes flooding X. Many users shared clips of his courtroom judgments, recalling his humour and compassion.

One wrote, “Judge Caprio is THE example of what Humanity means.” Another added, “As he heads for his final judgement, I have no doubt that Judge Frank Caprio will be judged in the same way that he carried out business in his court; with kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and an open heart.”

The legacy of Frank Caprio

Known as “the nicest judge in the world,” Caprio became a symbol of humanity in the courtroom. He often approached cases with empathy, allowing people to explain their struggles and reminding them that justice should retain its human touch.

Clips of his rulings—whether forgiving fines for struggling families or offering encouragement—spread widely on social media, garnering more than a billion views.

A lifelong resident of Providence, Rhode Island, Caprio spent decades serving on the municipal bench before his show Caught in Providence aired nationally from 2018 to 2020, earning multiple Daytime Emmy nominations.

His philosophy highlighted that fairness, kindness, and dignity were as vital to justice as the law itself.

Some of his most memorable moments came when he invited children to help decide cases involving their parents, combining humour with heartfelt lessons.

His rulings often carried broader messages—sometimes offering reminders about social media use or everyday decency.

In one notable case, after waiving a red-light ticket for a bartender earning just $3.84 an hour, Caprio turned to the camera and told viewers: “If anyone’s watching I want them to know you better not eat and run because you’re going to get caught and the poor people who are working hard all day for three bucks an hour are going to have to pay your bill.”