Viral Judge Frank Caprio Dies at 88
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
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.
Caprio, who served on the bench from 1985 until his retirement in 2023, announced last year that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 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
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35 minutes ago
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Frank Caprio, who served as a judge for the Providence Municipal Court in Rhode Island for almost 40 years, has died. He was 88. Caprio's death was confirmed on Wednesday by his son, Frank T. Caprio. Caprio was elected judge in 1985 and became famous for his television series ' Caught in Providence,' which was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2021 and sparked several clips that went viral on TikTok. He often went viral on social media for dismissing tickets from residents who appeared on the show and shared their personal stories. Caprio grew up on Federal Hill in Providence, R.I., and is the second of three sons. While he was younger, he shined shoes, delivered newspapers, and worked on a milk truck, following his parents' example of 'working hard to better the lives of those around him,' his website reads. He graduated from Central High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Providence College. After graduating, he stayed in the capital city and began teaching American Government at Hope High School. While teaching, he attended night school at the Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, which led to him seeking a career in law. He also served 10 years as chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, which is the governing body for the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and Community College of Rhode Island. At Suffolk University School of Law, Caprio founded the Antonio 'Tup' Caprio Scholarship Fund. It's named after his father and is awarded to Rhode Island students committed to improving access to legal services in underserved neighborhoods. He has also established scholarships in his father's name at Providence College and Central High School. Caprio announced his retirement from the Providence Municipal Court in January 2023 after nearly 40 years on the bench. Following his retirement, the court renamed its municipal courtroom after Caprio in October 2023. Shortly after his 87th birthday in December 2023, he announced he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He completed his last radiation treatment the following May. Caprio leaves behind his wife, Joyce, as well as five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
