Beloved TV judge Frank Caprio dies at 88
Judge Frank Caprio – the longtime Chief Judge of Providence Municipal Court and star of the reality TV series Caught in Providence – has died at the age of 88 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
His family confirmed he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20.
Caprio became a household name through Caught in Providence, a courtroom show that showcased his humane and humorous approach to minor traffic cases. His rulings, often filled with empathy, went viral on YouTube, earning him millions of fans worldwide.
Tributes pour in from rhode island and beyond
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee paid tribute, calling Caprio a “Rhode Island treasure” and ordering state flags flown at half-mast until his burial.
“Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with people in a meaningful way. He showed us all what justice with humanity can look like,” McKee said.
His battle with pancreatic cancer
Caprio revealed his diagnosis in December 2023, sharing updates with his 1.7 million Instagram followers during treatment. Despite facing an “insidious” illness, he continued to inspire supporters with his optimism and courage.
Singer-songwriter Jewel, after seeing one of his chemotherapy videos, said she was “honoured to bring a small amount of comfort” to him.
