Frank Caprio, the long -time leader of Providence Municipal Court and star in the reality series trapped in Providence, has died aged 88, after fighting the pancreas cancer, his family has confirmed.
He died peacefully on Wednesday, August 20th.
“Judge Frank Caprio died peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and brave fight with pancreatic cancer,” his family said in a statement on Facebook.
“In his honor, we must each strive to bring a little more compassion out into the world – just like he did every day.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKEE ordered flags by state buildings and agencies to be flown at half mast until Caprio’s funeral.
“Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island tax,” he said. “On a personal level, he was a friend who faced his illness with courage and I will miss him a lot. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones in this difficult time.
“Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected people in a meaningful way. He showed us all what justice with humanity can look like.”
A judge known all over the world
Caprio was widely recognized through trapped in Providence, the long-standing reality TV show that highlighted his compassionate way of dealing with minor traffic violations. With humor and empathy, he often brought both laughter and comfort to people who appeared in his courtroom.
The program is sent locally for more than 20 years before being sent nationally. Later, clips of his decisions found a huge following on YouTube, where new videos continued to appear even after he stepped down from the bench.
“I don’t have a badge under my robe,” Caprio noted often. “I carry a heart.”
Earlier this year, he published his memoir, Compassion in Court: Life -changing Stories from America’s Best Judge.
His illness and last months
In December 2023, Caprio revealed that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He praised the “wonderful team of doctors” who treated him in Boston and Providence, but admitted that he was facing “a insidious form of cancer”.
He kept his 1.7 million Instagram supporters up to date, sometimes placed videos under chemotherapis sessions. In one he listened to the singer-songwriter jewel, who later said she was “honored to bring a small amount of comfort” to him.
Judge Frank Caprio is remembered on Rhode Island and far out as a man who brought kindness and compassion to the courtroom.
