Doha, Qatar: Frank Caprio, the beloved Providence (Rhode Island, US) municipal court judge and viral TV personality, passed away on August 20, 2025, at age 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Known for his compassionate rulings on Caught in Providence, Caprio became a global internet sensation, earning over a billion views for his warm, empathetic approach to justice.
Born in 1936 in Providence, Rhode Island, Caprio served as a judge from 1985 to 2023. He gained national recognition for his fair and humane courtroom demeanor, often forgiving minor offenses and offering kind words, especially to those in financial or personal hardship.
Caprio publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in December 2023 and underwent treatment in 2024. Just days before his passing, he posted a final message from his hospital bed, asking for prayers.
Tributes poured in from across the world, including Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, who called Caprio a “state treasure.” He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Judge Caprio leaves behind a legacy of justice rooted in kindness, proving that the courtroom can be a place not just of law, but of humanity.
