Judge Frank Caprio, the jurist called "the nicest judge in the world," died Wednesday, Aug. 20, after abattle with pancreatic cancer, his family confirmed through social media. The family of the longtime Providence, Rhode Island Municipal Court Chief Judge and star of the reality TV series"Caught in Providence"said in posts onFacebookandInstagramthat he would be remembered for warmth, humor, and kindness. "Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond," the post reads. The series offered a look at the day-to-day life of a municipal court, and Caprio, 88, charmed viewers over its two-decade run on local and national television by applying the law with empathy and humor. "I don't wear a badge under my robe," Caprio said more than once. "I wear a heart." Caprio announced his cancer diagnosis in December 2023, crediting a "wonderful team of doctors" but acknowledging that he was up against an "insidious form of cancer." In a video posted to Instagram the day before his death, Caprio said that he "had a setback." The son of a fruit peddler and stay-at-home mother, Caprio joined the bench in 1985, according to thebiography on his website. He stepped down in 2023 and was given the honorary title of chief judge emeritus, according to The Providence Journal – a part of the USA TODAY Network. Then-Providence Democratic Rep.John Lombardi succeeded Caprioas chief judge of the court. The "Caught in Providence"YouTube channelcontinued to publish new videos featuring footage from Caprio's days in the courtroom after he stepped down, with new content appearing as recently as eight months ago.
