By Charles Pemu 
Frank Caprio, the retired Providence Municipal Court Chief Judge who became a global sensation for his compassionate and empathetic courtroom rulings on the TV show “Caught in Providence,” has died. He passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 88, following a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Affectionately dubbed “the Nicest Judge in the World,” Caprio’s approach to justice blended legal accountability with a deep sense of humanity. He was known for his folksy humor and for often dismissing minor offenses like traffic violations after hearing the defendants’ stories with genuine empathy. His courtroom was a place where people were seen not just as offenders but as individuals with unique circumstances.
Clips from his show went viral, amassing over a billion views on social media and turning him into a beloved online celebrity. Many of his most famous moments involved him calling children to the bench to help him decide cases, often with heartwarming and unexpected results.
Caprio publicly revealed his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in December 2023 and shared updates on his health with his global following. Just a day before his death, he posted a video from his hospital bed, humbly asking his supporters to “remember me in your prayers.” His final message was a testament to his character—marked by gratitude, vulnerability, and a continued connection with the millions of people he had touched with his kindness.
His legacy is celebrated not only in his legal career but in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. Rhode Island’s governor ordered the state flag to be lowered to half-mast in his honor, marking the passing of a figure who became a symbol of empathy on the bench.