Beloved Judge Frank Caprio Passes Away At 88

Judge Frank Caprio — who gained a nationwide following due to his compassion shown in the courtroom — has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 88-years-old.

The judge’s passing was confirmed in a post to his Instagram page on Wednesday, August 20. “Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer,” the statement on his social media page began.

The post further noted that Judge Caprio’s “compassion, humility and unwavering belief in the goodness of people” touched the lives of millions, the message stated. “His warmth, humor and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”

Judge Frank Caprio during his time as the Chief Municipal Judge in Providence, Rhode Island

“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 continued. “In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.” The touching tribute included a photo of the judge in his courtroom, as well as a number of photos with Caprio and his family.

Less than 24 hours before his passing was announced, the judge thanked his followers in an emotional video from his hospital bed.

“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.”

Capiro secured his first judgeship in 1985, marking the beginning of a lengthy career that ended with his retirement in 2023. The beloved Rhode Island traffic judge rose to national fame through his reality show “Caught in Providence,” which ran from 2018 to 2020.

The show earned four daytime Emmy nominations including three for outstanding legal/courtroom program. Caprio was also nominated for outstanding daytime personality.

Capiro’s show was also a hit on social media, with millions praising his compassionate style in the courtroom. A number of clips in which the judge showed sympathy for struggling defendants have gone viral over the years. In one memorable clip, the judge dismissed a case against a 96-year-old man for speeding in a school zone while he was transporting his cancer-stricken son to a doctor.

In 2023, Judge Caprio announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “The report was not a good one,” Caprio shared with his fans at the time. “I have been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, which is an insidious form of cancer.”

“I’m being treated by a wonderful team of doctors, both here in Rhode Island and at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts,” he added. “I pray that God guides their thoughts and their hands in their treatment of me.”

Capiro is survived by his wife, Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandkids.