PROVIDENCE, R.I., — Judge Frank Caprio, whose compassion and humor in the courtroom made him a television fixture and viral sensation, has died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 88.
Caprio’s family announced his passing in a post on his Facebook page Wednesday, saying he died peacefully and will be remembered for his kindness, humility and unwavering faith in people.
Elected as a judge in 1985, Caprio rose to national fame as the face of the syndicated television program Caught in Providence.
The series, which featured his rulings on traffic violations, earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2021 and generated millions of views on TikTok, where clips of his heartfelt interactions often went viral.
“His warmth, humor, and compassion touched the lives of millions,” the family statement read. “He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.”
The post encouraged others to honor his memory by showing the same compassion he displayed throughout his life.
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