Providence, Aug 21 (AP) — Frank Caprio, the Rhode Island municipal judge who gained international online fame for his compassionate approach on the courtroom television show "Caught in Providence," has passed away at the age of 88.
His official social media accounts shared the news on Wednesday, stating that he "passed away peacefully" following "a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer."
Known for transforming his courtroom into a space of kindness and compassion, Judge Caprio was famous for his gentle handling of cases, often dismissing minor infractions with a warm demeanor.
Just last week, Caprio had posted a brief video to Facebook, sharing that he was experiencing a "setback," had returned to the hospital, and asked his followers to keep him in their prayers.
His television show, filmed in his courtroom, captured his folksy humor and compassionate nature, gaining over a billion views through clips shared on social media platforms.
Unlike many television judges known for their stern demeanor, Caprio's style was sympathetic, resonating with audiences who watched him empathize with individuals facing relatively minor infractions, such as unpaid parking tickets or noise violations.
Caprio used his platform to address larger societal issues, including imbalances in the judicial system. In one of his videos, he emphasized the importance of equal access to justice, stating, “The phrase, 'With liberty and justice for all' represents the idea that justice should be accessible to everyone. However, it is not.”
His empathetic and upbeat approach won the hearts of millions, with particularly beloved video segments where he humorously invited children to help judge their parents' cases.
In one memorable instance, Caprio dismissed fines totaling $400 for a grieving mother whose son had recently died. In another, after dismissing a traffic violation for a bartender earning a meager $3.84 per hour, he implored viewers not to evade their restaurant bills, highlighting the struggles of hard-working employees.
Caprio's reach extended to China, where fans shared clips of his show on social media, praising the compassion and humanity he displayed in court.
His family described him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a true friend. They wrote, “Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond.”
State and local leaders fondly remembered his legacy. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee remarked, “Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way. He was more than a jurist; he was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity.”
Robert Leonard, who co-owned a restaurant with Caprio, expressed his deep sense of loss, saying Caprio would be “sorely missed” and was “all around wonderful.” “There is nothing he wouldn't do for you if he could do it,” Leonard added.
Caprio retired after nearly four decades on the Providence Municipal Court bench in 2023. He grew up in Providence's Federal Hill neighborhood, the second of three boys in a humble household.
Reflecting on his career in 2017, Caprio said, “I hope that people will take away that the institutions of government can function very well by exercising kindness, fairness, and compassion in their deliberations. We live in a very contentious society. I would hope
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