‘Caught in Providence’ Judge Frank Caprio dies at 88
The judge went viral online thanks to clips from his reality TV show showing his empathetic rulings on traffic and municipal ordinance cases and his sense of humor.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Judge Frank Caprio, who went viral online and in his reality TV show for his empathetic rulings and sense of humor, has died. He was 88.
His death was confirmed Wednesday afternoon in a post to his official Facebook page. The post says 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,” the post continued. “His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
He served as a judge in the Providence Municipal Court for nearly 40 years, according to WPRI.
The judge posted a video to his Facebook page Tuesday from a hospital bed.
“Last year I asked you to pray for me and it’s very obvious you did because I came through a very difficult period. Unfortunately, I’ve had a set back and I’m back in the hospital now,” Caprio said in the video. “I’m coming to you again 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. I’m a great believer in the power of prayers. I think the almighty above is looking over us.”
The post was made not even 24 hours before his death was announced.
Caprio was the star on the local reality TV show “Caught in Providence” which struck a deal with FOX Television Stations to air the show in major media markets starting in the fall of 2018.
He started gaining traction online for his sense of humor and light hearted spirit in the courtroom, amassing a total of 3.3 million followers on his personal Facebook, and 16 million followers on the “Caught in Providence” Facebook page. He also has 1.5 million followers on TikTok.
He focused mostly on traffic and municipal ordinance cases, resulting in comedic viewings of red light running from traffic cams, tickets for speeding a mile or two over the limit and more. In the courtroom, he heard people’s stories about their hardships, allowed for more flexible fine repayments for those in need and often waived penalties all together for mistakes on the courts end, or for those who had what he considered to be enough reason to waive them.
“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,” the Facebook post continued. “In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.”
Caprio retired in 2023 and announced his cancer diagnosis shortly after his 87th birthday. The municipal courtroom of Providence was renamed after him in October 2023, according to WPRI.
He is survived by his wife, five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, according to WPRI.