By Gavin Boyle
Judge Frank Caprio, who was beloved across the internet for expressing constant kindness in the courtroom, has died at the age of 88 after a battle with cancer.
“Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer,” Caprio’s Instagram page announced. “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. His warmth, humor and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
Though he served as a judge on the municipal court in Providence, Rhode Island, Judge Caprio became known on a national level due to his TV show CAUGHT IN PROVIDENCE. Though the show captured his great compassion – which led to multiple clips going viral on the internet over the years – he also remained committed to performing his duty as a judge with excellence.
Related: Judge Frank Caprio Needs ‘Power of Prayer’ As He Battles Cancer
“All of the cases and people are real. Those who step in front of him have a little fun with the cameras, but Judge Caprio makes it clear that he is there to do his job,” a description of the show explained.
Judge Caprio first announced his battle with cancer in the winter of 2023. By May 2024, he had undergone his final bout of radiation treatment and was in remission. Unfortunately, the disease came back in June and after another battle, he succumbed to cancer on Aug. 20.
“I would ask each of you, in your own way, to please pray for me,” Judge Caprio said in June when sharing the diagnosis. “I am in need of the power of prayer, which I believe, in addition to the medical treatment that I’m receiving is the most powerful weapon to help me survive this.”
“It’s not a pleasant experience to go to bed at night, say your prayers, and suddenly you have one extra thing you have to ask for,” Caprio added in an interview with CBS where he discussed the disease. “And that is, please help the treatment be successful for the pancreatic cancer. And I think we’re on the way.”
Caprio is survived by his children and grandchildren and continues to be remembered by the people of Rhode Island for being a state treasure.
“Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure,” said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. “On a personal level, he was a friend who faced his illness with bravery, and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
“Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way, and people could not help but respond to his warmth and compassion,” he continued. “He was more than a jurist — he was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity.”
“Judge Caprio embodied the spirit of Rhode Island and its people. He truly saw the humanity in everyone, and his compassion inspired countless acts of kindness across the world,” added a joint statement from multiple Rhode Island state Senators. “The entire Senate family mourns the passing of Judge Caprio and extends its heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.”
Please keep Judge Caprio’s family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.
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