News Summary
Judge Frank Caprio, known for his compassion and warmth, passed away surrounded by family. His 38-year tenure as a judge and humanitarian influenced countless lives, leaving behind a profound legacy in the Providence community.
Providence, Rhode Island – Judge Frank Caprio, known for his warmth and compassion, passed away at the age of 88 on August 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife Joyce, family, and friends. His legacy as a beloved judge and humanitarian extends beyond the courtroom, as he influenced countless lives throughout his remarkable journey.
Judge Caprio is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce Tibaldi Caprio, and their five children: Frank T., David, Marissa (Caprio) Pesce, John, and Paul. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Caprio was the brother of Joseph and predeceased by his brother Antonio Caprio Jr.
Born to Italian immigrants Antonio and Filomena Caprio, Frank spent his early years on Federal Hill in Providence. He attended local public schools and earned all-state honors in wrestling at Central High School, where he was eventually inducted into the Rhode Island Wrestling Hall of Fame.
To fund his education at Providence College, Judge Caprio worked three jobs while earning his degree in 1958. He began teaching American government at Hope High School and served actively in the Rhode Island National Guard as part of the combat engineers division. In pursuit of a legal career, he attended Suffolk University School of Law at night, graduating with his law degree in 1965.
Judge Caprio entered into politics at just 25 years old, capturing the attention of the community by defeating a long-standing Providence City Council President. He subsequently developed a successful legal practice, operating out of the Caprio Building located on Atwells Avenue and Route 95. Beyond law, he was a partner in The Coast Guard House Restaurant in Narragansett, where he helped establish the venue as a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
In 1985, Caprio became a judge on the Providence Municipal Court, serving for an impressive 38 years. His courtroom gained widespread recognition through the show “Caught in Providence,” which debuted in 1992 and was nationally syndicated in 2016. Under his rule, it became more than just a court; it became a platform for human connection. Known as “the nicest judge in the world,” Caprio garnered over 26 million social media followers, forging ties with individuals from all walks of life.
A testament to his storytelling ability, Frank published a memoir, “Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge,” which became a best-seller shortly before his passing in February 2025. His contributions did not go unnoticed, as he was awarded honorary doctorates from institutions such as Suffolk University School of Law in 1991, Providence College in 2008, and the University of Rhode Island in 2016.
In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Caprio was an active member of the Aurora Civic Association, serving as president and board member for many years. He made significant contributions to education by establishing scholarships at Central High School, Providence College, and Suffolk Law, showcasing his commitment to uplifting the next generation.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Nardolillo Funeral Home, with visiting hours taking place at the Rhode Island Convention Center on August 28, 2025, from 3 PM to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on August 29, 2025, at 10 AM at The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, RI. For those wishing to honor his memory, donations can be made to the Filomena Fund at The Rhode Island Foundation.
Judge Frank Caprio’s legacy will continue to inspire both his family and the community he served for many decades. His dedication to justice, education, and the betterment of society stands as a lasting reminder of the impact one individual can have on countless lives.
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Additional Resources
- Nardolillo Funeral Home: Judge Frank Caprio
- Wikipedia: Frank Caprio
- Legacy.com: John Murphy Obituary
- Google Search: Judge Frank Caprio
- Providence Journal: Judge Frank Caprio’s Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Frank Caprio
- Tukios: Judge Frank Caprio
- Google News: Judge Frank Caprio
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
