Beloved judge Frank Caprio dies at 88 aft

Judge Frank Caprio: A Compassionate Voice of Justice

Judge Frank Caprio, the beloved chief judge of Providence Municipal Court and star of Caught in Providence, passed away at 88 after battling pancreatic cancer.

Known for “blending fairness with kindness,” Caprio’s courtroom became a place where justice was delivered with empathy, touching millions worldwide.

His son, Frank Caprio Jr., said, “My father’s enduring generosity and empathy… drew millions to his unique style of justice.”

From Humble Roots to a Life of Service

Born in 1936 to an Italian immigrant family in Providence, Caprio’s early life shaped his belief that “justice should first consider compassion.”

After earning his law degree while teaching high school, he served on Providence City Council from 1962 to 1968. This experience gave him insight into everyday struggles, which he later carried into his 38 years on the bench, starting in 1985.

A Judge Like No Other

Caught in Providence began as a local show but quickly gained global attention for Caprio’s approach.

Rather than just issuing fines, he listened closely to people’s stories, offering “encouragement, leniency, or even forgiveness.” His warmth and fairness made him “not just a judge, but a symbol of justice tempered by humanity.” Viral clips showed how he treated defendants with dignity, proving that “justice can be fair without being harsh.”