Providence officials, fans react to Judge Caprio’s retirement

Daniel Coates,

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Judge Frank Caprio, 38-year chief judge of the municipal court, announced his retirement Friday. City leaders and residents showed an outpouring of support for “the grandfather of Providence.”

Best known for the show “Caught in Providence,” Judge Caprio has since stopped filming.

“There will never be another Judge Caprio,” said Providence City Councilman John Goncalves. “You could go into a courtroom– it can be a very tense and nerve-wracking experience– but the judge made you feel at home.”

Goncalves said he, and the City Council, have always admired the judge’s compassion and fairness towards the community.

“I think that is a testament to his humanity, his justice, fairness and kindness on the show,” added Goncalves. “You can be anywhere in the world and if you mention Providence, people would mention Judge Caprio.”

Providence residents said Friday they will always remember the judge as a staple of the community.
“Just moving up here, you see a lot of people you know,” said Sean Fields, a city resident who recently moved from California. “You recognize people from around town which is pretty cool.”
New England native Debbie Nolan added, “He was like the happiest grandfather. It’s the best show on TV right now. And I know everyone that lives around here feels that way, too.”
Caprio now is up for consideration for an unpaid judge emeritus position.
Upon an updated advisory opinion from the Ethics Commission, Caprio could resume the show.
Goncalves concluded, “Just because he’s retired here– I don’t think it’s the end of Judge Caprio. I think there’s a lot more exciting things to come. And we look forward to celebrating his contributions to the city.”
A vote by the city council for Caprio’s judge emeritus role is scheduled for this Thursday.
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