Judge Frank Caprio, a jurist known as “the world’s loveliest judge,” passed away on Wednesday, August 20th after his fight against pancreatic cancer. His family confirmed through social media.
The Chief of Rhode Island’s longtime Providence family, Rhode Island Municipal Court, and the star of the reality TV series “Catch in Providence,” said in a Facebook and Instagram post he would be remembered for his warmth, humor and kindness.
“Beloved by his compassion, humility and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio has touched millions of lives through his work in court,” the Post reads.
The series saw the daily life of the district court, and 88-year-old Caprio captivated two years of viewers on local and national television by applying the law with empathy and humor.
“I don’t wear a badge under my robe,” Caprio said many times. “I’m putting on my heart.”
Caprio announced his cancer diagnosis in December 2023, praised the “great team of doctors,” but admitted that he had confronted “innocent cancer forms.”
In a video posted on Instagram the day before his death, Caprio said he had “retreated.”
Long-time stubbornness of Caprio at Rhode Island Court
According to a biographer on his website, Caprio, the son of a fruit peddler and a stay-at-home mother, joined the bench in 1985.
He resigned in 2023 and was given the honorary title of honorary judge, according to the Providence Journal, part of the USA Today Network. Rep. John Lombardi, then Providence Democrat, took over Caprio as the court’s Supreme Court justice.
The “Catch in Providence” YouTube channel continued to release new videos featuring footage from Caprio’s days after he resigned.
The show was nominated for Outstanding Legal/Coat Room Program Daytime Emmy in 2021, 2022 and 2023, but Caprio was individually nominated for the 2024 Exceptional Daytime Personality-Daily Awards.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee ordered all Rhode Island flags of all state agencies and buildings to be flew by semi-staff until Caprio’s detention. He called Caprio “Rhode Island Treasure” in a statement.
“Judge Caprio not only served the public, but also connected with them in a meaningful way, and people were unable to help him to respond to his warmth and compassion,” writes Mackie. “He was more than a jurist. He was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing what could be possible when justice was softened in humanity.”
Donation: Providence Journal Staff
