Viral Judge Frank Caprio Dies at 88

By

Jenna Sundel is a Newsweek reporter based in New Jersey. Her focus is reporting on breaking news. She has in-depth knowledge of crime and courts. Jenna joined Newsweek in 2024. She previously worked at The Messenger. She is a graduate of Montclair State University. You can find her on X @jennajournalist. You can get in touch with Jenna by emailing j.sundel@newsweek.com. Languages: English.

Jenna Sundel
and

Gabe Whisnant is a Breaking News Editor at Newsweek based in North Carolina. Prior to joining Newsweek in 2023, he directed daily publications in North and South Carolina. As an executive editor, Gabe led award-winning coverage of Charleston church shooter Dylan Roof’s capture in 2015, along with coverage of the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. You can get in touch with Gabe by emailing g.whisnant@newsweek.com. Find him on Twitter @GabeWhisnant.

Gabe Whisnant

Reporter (Live News)

🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.

Frank Caprio, the retired chief judge of the Providence Municipal Court whose compassionate rulings made him a viral sensation on the television show Caught in Providence, has died. He was 88.

The Context

Caprio, who served on the bench from 1985 until his retirement in 2023, announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 2023. Known for his empathy toward defendants and plainspoken courtroom style, his clips drew millions of views worldwide and made him one of Rhode Island’s most recognizable public figures.

BREAKING: Beloved Providence Judge Frank Caprio, known for his empathy for defendants, dead at 88 after battle with cancer

R.I.P., sir. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/yDeshLIJSa

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 20, 2025

What To Know

A statement posted to Caprio’s Facebook page said he died “peacefully” after a “long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.”

“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. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him,” the statement read.

On Tuesday, Caprio said in a video that he had experienced a “setback” and was again in the hospital.

“I’m coming to you again, asking you to remember me in your prayers once more,” the beloved judge said.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee directed Rhode Island flags at all state agencies and buildings to be flown at half-staff in Caprio’s memory, staying put until sunset on the day of interment. The governor also asked Rhode Island residents to lower their flags as a sign of respect.

“Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure,” McKee said in a statement. “On a personal level, he was a friend who faced his illness with bravery, and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Who Was Judge Frank Caprio?

Caprio grew up on Federal Hill in Providence with his two brothers, according to his website. When he was younger, he shined shoes, delivered newspapers and worked on a milk truck.

He graduated from Central High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Providence College. He taught at Hope High School while attending night school at the Suffolk University School of Law.

Caprio had a wife, five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

What Was Reality TV Series ‘Caught in Providence’ About?

Caught in Providence was a show featuring proceedings from Caprio’s courtroom. It started airing on public access television before progressing to local ABC affiliate, WLNE-TV.

The show later went into national syndication and gained popularity online.

What People Are Saying

Statement posted to Caprio’s Facebook page: “He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.”

McKee, in a statement: “Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way, and people could not help but respond to his warmth and compassion. 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.”

Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.

Click On Meter To Rate This Article