Frank Caprio, the retired municipal judge from Rhode Island whose compassion on the bench made him an online sensation, passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
Best known as the host of the ABC series Caught in Providence, Judge Caprio became beloved for his humane approach to justice. He often described his courtroom as a place “where people and cases are met with kindness and compassion.”
Read more: Relief for PTI Founder as Supreme Court Accepts Bail Pleas
According to a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Caprio “passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.” The tribute remembered him as a man of “compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people,” whose influence extended far beyond the courtroom.
“His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him,” the statement added. “In his memory, may we all strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did each day.”
Caprio’s empathetic treatment of defendants gained him over a billion views on social media, earning him the affectionate title of “the nicest judge in the world,” according to Time. In courtroom clips widely shared online, he could often be seen listening patiently and responding with understanding, while also using his platform to highlight issues such as unequal access to justice.
Read more: Nuclear shrimp warning issued in US
In 2019, he won hearts across the globe when his interaction with a Pakistani student, Ahmad Salman, went viral. Caprio forgave Salman’s three parking tickets and later invited him to join his family for Sunday dinner — a moment that further cemented his reputation for compassion.
In a video message, Caprio’s son shared that his father had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two years ago. “The love and support he received from all of you lifted his spirits and gave him the strength to fight on, living a year and a half longer than doctors had predicted,” he said.
Serving as chief judge of the Providence Municipal Court from 1985 until 2023, Caprio leaves behind his wife, Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.