Frank Caprio, the retired Rhode Island judge whose compassionate and humorous courtroom demeanor made him a global internet sensation, has passed away aged 88.
His passing was announced in a statement posted on his official Instagram account on Wednesday evening.
Caprio had been battling pancreatic cancer since his diagnosis in December 2023.
The statement released by his family painted him as a man “deeply dedicated to both his public role and his private life”.
It also described him as “a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend”.
The family remembered him as someone who “touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond” with his “compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people”.
“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. His warmth, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him,” the statement reads.
“He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired.
“In his honour, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world – just as he did every day.”
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A few hours before his death, Caprio had asked for continued prayers from the public. He shared that while he had been feeling better after over a year with the illness, he had recently “suffered another setback”.
Frank Caprio Jr., his son, also echoed his father’s message in the wake of his passing, urging the public to “show kindness to one another”.
Caprio served as the chief judge of the Providence Municipal Court and was a former chairman of the Rhode Island board of governors for higher education.
However, it was his role presiding over traffic violations and petty offenses that brought him international fame.
His courtroom show ‘Caught in Providence’ which also featured in the A&E series ‘Parking Wars’, showcased his unique approach to justice.
He was known for his leniency, often dismissing fines after hearing heartfelt stories of hardship and encouraging defendants to perform acts of charity instead.
This humane approach resonated deeply with a global audience. In 2017, clips from his courtroom went viral, garnering over 15 million views.
By 2022, his videos had attracted hundreds of millions more views across social media platforms, amassing 2.92 million subscribers on YouTube alone and turning him into a symbol of kindness and empathy within the justice system.
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