Judge Frank Caprio - the longtime Chief Judge of Providence Municipal Court and star of the reality TV series Caught in Providence - has died at the age of 88 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

His family confirmed he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20.

Caprio became a household name through Caught in Providence, a courtroom show that showcased his humane and humorous approach to minor traffic cases. His rulings, often filled with empathy, went viral on YouTube, earning him millions of fans worldwide.

Compassion in the Court: Read an Excerpt from Judge Frank Caprio's New Memoir - Rhode Island Monthly

Known as “America’s nicest judge,” Caprio often said: “I don’t wear a badge under my robe. I wear a heart.”

Tributes pour in from rhode island and beyond

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee paid tribute, calling Caprio a “Rhode Island treasure” and ordering state flags flown at half-mast until his burial.

“Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with people in a meaningful way. He showed us all what justice with humanity can look like,” McKee said.

His battle with pancreatic cancer

Caprio revealed his diagnosis in December 2023, sharing updates with his 1.7 million Instagram followers during treatment. Despite facing an “insidious” illness, he continued to inspire supporters with his optimism and courage.

Singer-songwriter Jewel, after seeing one of his chemotherapy videos, said she was “honoured to bring a small amount of comfort” to him.

Legacy of compassion

Earlier this year, Caprio published his memoir, Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge, reflecting on decades of service.

From his courtroom in Providence to screens across the globe, Judge Frank Caprio leaves behind a legacy of justice served with kindness — a reminder that compassion can be as powerful as the law itself.