‘America’s nicest judge’: Rhode Island mourns passing of Judge Frank Caprio

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Frank Caprio, America’s nicest judge, died Wednesday, after what family called in a social media post, “a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.”

His passing came following a posted video asking for prayers after suffering what Judge Caprio called a setback in his health.

He’s already being mourned by countless people online, remembering him as a compassionate man who truly believed in the goodness of people.

Earlier this year, he released a book chronicling his life and legendary career.

Judge Caprio served on the bench at the Providence Municipal Traffic Court from 1985 to 2023, in the process, becoming known, all over the world for his compassion during his “Caught in Providence” TV show, which took off thanks to social media.

In a podcast appearance recorded this June, Judge Caprio told host Mel Robbins where he learned his empathy while on the bench.

His father, who sat in during Caprio’s first trial, dismayed at the way a new judge handled a mother of four who had not paid parking tickets.

There is no word yet on any funeral arrangements.

Governor McKee has ordered state flags to fly at half staff until the evening after his burial.

Judge Frank Caprio was 88.