Read on to understand why Judge Frank Caprio was loved by millions across nations for being his kind, fair self

Who was Judge Frank Caprio and what made him the “world’s nicest judge” ?

When you think of a judge or if you ever have to appear before, you would wish it were someone like him. Someone as compassionate, kind, humorous, empathetic, and overall a wonderful human. He touched countless lives in his 40-year career in Rhode Island

If you have not heard about him, you must have at least come across one of his videos on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, etc. He was a social media star, too! In a world where judges are often expected and often are stern and serious, he brought so much light with his humour and compassion.

Millions of people know him because of the hit television show Caught in Providence, which has gained billions of views from around the world through social media, has viewers commenting and naming him the nicest judge in the world. Really, you’d have to go through his profile to believe it. Somehow, he sincerely believed that no matter what the people standing before him had done, they had the capacity to do good and be better as humans.

“I hope that people will take away that the institutions of government can function very well by exercising kindness, fairness, and compassion in their deliberations. We live in a very contentious society,” ; “I would hope that people will see that we can dispense justice without being oppressive.” -He stated in 2017

His words are a testament to the kind of man he was and the hope and light he brought into this world.

State and local politicians mourned his passing. “Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way, and people could not help but respond to his warmth and compassion,” said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. His unfortunate and untimely death, following a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer, was announced on his official Instagram account, where he was remembered for his “warmth” and “unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”

Judge Frank Caprio Life:

Frank was the middle of three sons and was born on November 24, 1936, in Providence, Rhode Island, in the Italian-American neighbourhood of Federal Hill. His mother, Filomena, was originally from Naples, while his father, Antonio, moved from Teano, Italy, and worked as a milkman and fruit vendor.

While attending Central High School, where he even won the state wrestling title in 1953, Frank began his career as a shoe shiner and dishwasher. After graduating from high school, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Providence College in 1958. While attending Suffolk University Law School in Boston, he also taught American government at Hope High School and took night classes at the law school

Later in life, he married his beloved wife Joyce and enjoyed a loving marriage of over six decades. Together, they raised five wonderful children: Marissa, John, Paul, David, and Frank.

Before pursuing his career as a judge and politician, he also held several jobs, including delivering newspapers and working other part-time roles.

Judge Frank Caprio: F.A.Q.

1.Why is Judge Frank Caprio famous?
Ans. He is famous because of his kindness and compassion. Caprio once described his courtroom as a place “where people and cases are met with kindness and compassion.”

2.What was Frank Caprio diagnosed with?
Ans. Pancreatic Cancer

3.What has happened to Judge Frank Caprio?
Ans. He died at the age of 88 on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, losing his battle with cancer.

4.Did Judge Caprio retire?
Ans. He retired from the Providence Municipal Court in 2023, after nearly 40 years on the bench.