Judge Frank Caprio, beloved 'Caught in Providence' star, dies at 88 after battle with pancreatic cancer
Frank Caprio, the retired Providence Municipal Court judge whose compassion and humor made him a beloved figure on television and social media, has died at the age of 88.
Judge Frank Caprio, famed for “Caught in Providence” and his compassionate courtroom approach, has died at 88 after battling pancreatic cancer.
According to a statement released on his official social media accounts, Caprio “passed away peacefully” following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. The announcement came just a week after he shared a heartfelt video update asking for prayers as he faced another health setback in the hospital.
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Caprio rose to national and international recognition as the star of Caught in Providence, a show filmed inside his Rhode Island courtroom. His unique approach to justice—marked by empathy, humor, and understanding—helped the series generate more than a billion views across social media platforms.
During his nearly four decades on the bench, Caprio often contrasted with the combative personas of many TV judges. He became known for dismissing minor infractions such as parking tickets, traffic violations, and noise complaints when circumstances called for leniency, all while reminding defendants of personal responsibility.
Memorable moments from Caught in Providence included inviting children to help deliver verdicts, comforting grieving families, and acknowledging the struggles of low-income individuals. One viral clip showed him dismissing fines for a woman who had lost her son, while another captured him encouraging viewers not to dine and dash after forgiving a struggling bartender’s red-light violation.
Beyond entertainment, Caprio used his platform to highlight serious issues, including limited access to legal representation for low-income Americans. He frequently emphasized that “justice should be accessible to everyone,” pointing to the barriers faced by those navigating civil disputes without legal assistance.
Caprio’s influence extended beyond the courtroom. His family remembered him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose compassion and humor left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee honored him as “a symbol of empathy on the bench,” praising the way he connected with the public and redefined how justice could be delivered.
Colleagues and friends also reflected on his generosity. Robert Leonard, who co-owned a restaurant with Caprio, described him as “all around wonderful” and someone who always tried to help others.
Born and raised in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood, Caprio came from humble beginnings as the second of three sons. He retired from the Providence Municipal Court in 2023, closing a career that spanned almost forty years. Reflecting on his legacy in a 2017 interview, Caprio expressed his hope that people would see “justice can be dispensed with kindness, fairness, and compassion” even in a contentious society.
