News Summary
Judge Frank Caprio, a revered figure known for his humanitarian work and popular television show, passed away at home surrounded by family after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his life, Caprio made a significant impact on the community, serving as a mentor, politician, and judge for nearly four decades. His courtroom gained fame through the show ‘Caught in Providence,’ where he was affectionately known as ‘the nicest judge in the world.’ In his final message, Caprio encouraged his loved ones to take care of each other and continue helping others.
Providence, Rhode Island – Judge Frank Caprio, a beloved humanitarian and global internet sensation, passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 88 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Caprio died peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife Joyce, family, and close friends.
Caprio leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Joyce (Tibaldi) Caprio, five children, and seven grandchildren, along with two great-grandchildren. His immediate family includes sons Frank T., David, John, and Paul, along with daughter Marissa (Caprio) Pesce. He is also survived by his brother Joseph and sister-in-law Irene Caprio, while his brother Antonio Caprio Jr. predeceased him.
Born to Italian immigrants Antonio and Filomena Caprio, Judge Caprio was raised on Federal Hill in Providence. His parents instilled in him the importance of hard work, education, and service to the community. He attended Providence public schools and graduated from Central High School, where he was recognized for his talent as an all-state wrestler. He later earned induction into the Rhode Island Wrestling Hall of Fame.
To support his education at Providence College, where he graduated in 1958, Caprio worked three jobs. After graduating, he began his career teaching American government at Hope High School and also served in the Rhode Island National Guard as part of the combat engineers division. He earned his law degree from Suffolk University School of Law while coaching wrestling at night, starting his legal career in 1965.
Caprio entered politics at the young age of 25, achieving a surprising victory against the long-serving Providence City Council President in 1962. Throughout his life, he remained active in the political arena, mentoring numerous candidates and elected officials. He established a successful law practice in the “Caprio Building”—the same land where his mother and aunts had lived—creating a multigenerational law firm that has operated for over 60 years.
In 1978, Caprio became a partner in The Coast Guard House Restaurant in Narragansett, which has since become an iconic dining destination in Rhode Island. His career in law took a significant turn when he was appointed as a judge on the Providence Municipal Court in 1985 by Mayor Joseph Paolino Jr., serving tirelessly for 38 years.
Caprio’s courtroom gained international fame through the Emmy-nominated television show “Caught in Providence,” which began filming in 1992 and was nationally syndicated by 2016. As a result, he earned the affectionate title of “the nicest judge in the world,” attracting over 26 million social media followers and racking up more than 10 billion video views. In February 2025, he published a best-selling memoir titled “Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge,” embarking on a national publicity tour that included sold-out book signings and media appearances.
Caprio was not only an admired judge but also a sought-after speaker at legal and humanitarian events worldwide. He received the Mother Teresa Award for Social Justice in India and served as Chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education for a decade. In May 2025, he delivered a commencement address at Providence College, earning a standing ovation for his heartfelt message of helping others.
Throughout his life, Caprio was honored with honorary doctorates from Suffolk University School of Law, Providence College, and the University of Rhode Island. He was passionate about education and made substantial contributions by establishing scholarships for students at his alma mater and Central High School, leaving a legacy that reflects his values of family and compassion.
Funeral arrangements have been organized by Nardolillo Funeral Home. Visiting hours are planned for August 28, 2025, at the Rhode Island Convention Center from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence on August 29 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Filomena Fund at The Rhode Island Foundation.
In his final message, Judge Caprio urged his family to “take care of each other” and “help people if you can,” exemplifying the compassionate spirit he embodied throughout his life.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Frank Caprio
- Turn to 10 News
- Google Search: Judge Frank Caprio
- The Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Frank Caprio
- Providence Journal
- Google News: Frank Caprio
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