After a fight with pancreatic illness, Judge Frank Caprio, who was well-known for his generosity and widely shared courtroom footage, died at the age of 88.  He passed away quietly, according to his relatives.

Caprio served as a municipal court judge in Providence, Rhode Island, from 1985 until 2023. He became a household name through his TV show Caught in Providence, where clips of his fair and compassionate rulings earned him the title "the nicest judge in the world." 

Over the course of his career, the empathy that Caprio showed was well-received. He would regularly show lenience to those who were on hard times, dismissing fines or taking the time to hear their story before making a decision.

Born November 23, 1936 in Providence, he taught American government at Hope High School while going to law school at night. Caprio supported his empathetic approach by citing the teachings of his upbringing and Italian family.

He shared his experiences widely on social media, connecting with millions of followers, and authored a book, Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories From America's Nicest Judge.

Joyce, Caprio's wife, their five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren all survive him. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called him a symbol of empathy, highlighting how he combined justice with humanity.

His legacy continues through the lives he touched and the acts of kindness he inspired, leaving an enduring mark as a compassionate, fair, and beloved judge.