Judge Frank Caprio, Known as the ‘Nicest Judge in the World,’ Passes Away at 88

Frank Caprio, the beloved American judge who became an internet sensation, has passed away at age 88, according to his family.

Throughout his four-decade tenure in Rhode Island, he became renowned for incorporating compassion and humor into his legal decisions, always considering the individual circumstances of those who appeared before him.

His television program “Caught in Providence” generated viral content that accumulated billions of social media views, leading to his designation as the “nicest judge in the world.”

The announcement of his passing came via his official Instagram account, where he was honored for his “warmth” and “unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”

His death followed a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Before launching his television career, Judge Caprio had overseen thousands of legal proceedings in Providence, Rhode Island, his home city.

His distinctive judicial approach created numerous viral moments, including occasions when he would invite young children to join him at the bench during hearings and his introduction of a “mini-judge” plush toy bearing his likeness.

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One TikTok clip featuring his daily morning activities – dental hygiene, book signings, and viewing episodes of his own program – garnered over 5 million views.

Speaking in a 2019 interview, Judge Caprio explained that his courtroom proceedings “show a slice of life of Rhode Island that is very interesting, and it reflects the same issues people are experiencing nationwide.”

His son David Caprio expressed gratitude to supporters and encouraged people to “spread a little kindness” as a tribute to his father’s legacy.

An Instagram message shared with his 3.4 million followers celebrated the “countless acts of kindness he inspired.”

The statement noted: “His warmth, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”

“Caught in Providence” received three Daytime Emmy nominations during its broadcast run, with Judge Caprio himself receiving two individual nominations in the previous year.

Debmar-Mercury, the production company responsible for the show, honored Judge Caprio’s “unique brand of compassion and common sense approach.”

Company co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein stated: “We will miss him dearly.”

Following his 2023 pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Judge Caprio declared he was “fully prepared to fight as hard I can” while expressing appreciation for his followers’ encouragement.

In among his final social media updates, Judge Caprio revealed he had returned to the hospital due to a “setback” in his medical care and requested prayers from his audience.

Judge Caprio leaves behind his wife Joyce Caprio, with whom he shared nearly six decades of marriage, along with five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.