Frank Caprio, the longtime Chief Judge of Providence Municipal Court celebrated for his warmth, humor, and viral TV fame, has died at 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
His son, Frank T. Caprio, announced the news on Wednesday, August 20, in a family statement on Facebook, saying, “Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.”
Known for his compassion, fairness, and belief in the goodness of people, Caprio touched millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. “He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend,” the statement added.
Caprio first took office as a municipal court judge in 1985 and served for nearly four decades. He gained international recognition with the reality TV series Caught in Providence, which showcased his empathetic and humorous handling of traffic violation cases. The show, nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2021, ran for over 20 years and earned a global fanbase through syndicated broadcasts and viral social media clips.
He retired in January 2023, and later that year, the city honored him by renaming its municipal courtroom after him. Caprio had announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in December 2023 and completed treatment in May 2024.
Outside the courtroom, he was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.