Judge Frank Caprio, known for his compassionate courtroom manner and star of the syndicated show Caught in Providence, died at the age of eighty-eight following a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer.
He served as chief judge of the Providence Municipal Court from nineteen eighty-five until his retirement in two thousand twenty-three. His televised courtroom rulings, often infused with empathy and understanding for defendants, earned acclaim and widespread online attention.
Diagnosed in late twenty-twenty-three, he shared his cancer journey publicly, including a final video message from his hospital bed requesting prayers. He received chemotherapy and radiation treatment before his passing.
Rhode Island’s governor ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in his honour. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, their five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.