Beloved American judge Frank Caprio, widely admired for his compassionate approach to justice, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 88 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
The news was confirmed through his official Instagram account, which shared that he died “peacefully” and will be remembered not only as a respected judge but also as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Caprio became internationally known for his heartfelt and humane rulings on minor offenses such as parking violations and traffic tickets. His courtroom moments, often captured in viral videos, showcased his ability to blend fairness with empathy—whether by offering words of encouragement, waiving fines, or showing small acts of kindness that touched millions around the world.
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His reputation as “America’s Nicest Judge” was further recognized in 2021 when his show Caught in Providence received a Daytime Emmy nomination. He served as a municipal judge in Providence, Rhode Island, from 1985 until his retirement in 2023.
Just hours before his passing, Caprio recorded a final video message from his hospital bed, expressing gratitude and asking his supporters to keep him in their prayers.
“I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more. So I ask you again, if it’s not too much, that you can remember me in your prayers,” he said in the emotional clip.
Reflecting on his diagnosis in an earlier interview, Caprio shared, “My first reaction was disbelief. But then I thought: I have lived a life full of blessings. I’m not going to let this define my later years.”
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He is survived by his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
