Beloved Judge Asks For Prayers After Major Health Setback

The world is rallying once again behind retired Judge Frank Caprio, who has humbly asked for prayers after a major health setback landed him back in the hospital.

The 88-year-old former Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court—best known worldwide as the kind-hearted face of the hit television program Caught in Providence—released a heartfelt message Wednesday, thanking supporters for their encouragement and asking once again to be remembered in prayer.

“Last year I asked you to pray for me, and it’s very obvious that you did because I came through a very difficult period,” Caprio said in a video message. “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. I’m a great believer in the power of prayers. I think the one above is looking over us. So remember me, please.”

In a Facebook post, Caprio’s family reiterated his gratitude. “Judge Caprio wishes to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your prayers, love, and support while he is in the hospital. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to him. He and his family are deeply grateful.”

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Born Francesco Caprio on November 24, 1936, in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood, Caprio’s story is one of humble beginnings and hard-earned success. His parents, Antonio and Filomena, were Italian immigrants, and young Frank helped support the family by working jobs such as dishwasher and shoe-shiner while attending public schools.

He went on to graduate from Central High School—where he was a state wrestling champion—before earning his degree from Providence College in 1958. He taught high school government classes before attending Suffolk University Law School at night, all while serving in the Rhode Island Army National Guard.

Caprio entered public service early, winning election to the Providence City Council in 1962. After years in local politics and higher education leadership, he was appointed Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court in 1985, a position he would hold for nearly four decades.

While Caprio was respected in Rhode Island legal circles for decades, his fame exploded after clips from Caught in Providence went viral in 2017. The show, which had quietly aired locally for years, featured Caprio’s gentle yet firm rulings on traffic and parking violations. His unique approach—mixing humor, empathy, and a sense of fairness—captivated audiences worldwide.

Videos of Caprio dismissing fines for struggling families or offering words of encouragement to nervous defendants spread rapidly online, earning him the nickname “the nicest judge in the world.” By the time he retired in 2023, Caught in Providence had aired nationally, received multiple Emmy nominations, and amassed billions of views across social media platforms.

Beyond the courtroom, Caprio has been a lifelong advocate for education and civic service. He established the Antonio “Tup” Caprio Scholarship Fund at Suffolk Law in honor of his father, a milkman who never made it past fifth grade. He has also funded scholarships at Providence College and Central High School, and served on numerous educational and civic boards.

Caprio’s work with charities—from the Rhode Island Food Bank to youth organizations—cemented his reputation as not just a judge, but a servant leader deeply tied to his community.

In December 2023, just after turning 87, Caprio revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He underwent months of chemotherapy and radiation and celebrated remission by ringing the symbolic “bell of healing” at the Miami Cancer Institute. But the beloved judge’s health struggles have continued. His latest hospitalization has once again drawn an outpouring of love from fans around the globe.

Confined to a hospital bed, Caprio’s message to the public remains consistent with the legacy he built: humility, faith, and hope. “I’m a great believer in the power of prayers,” he reminded supporters.

Judge Caprio is survived in life by his wife of more than 60 years, Joyce, their five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.