The “world’s nicest judge in the world,” Frank Caprio, has sadly died at the age of 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The heartbreaking news was announced on the judge's official Instagram account, where he was remembered for his "compassion" 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, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him," the statement read.
"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 honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day," the tribute post concluded.
Caprio's show, Caught in Providence, ran between 2018 and 2020 and received several Daytime Emmy Award nominations.
Clips from the series often went viral, showcasing his mix of fairness and compassion in the courtroom and earning him the nickname “Nicest Judge in the World.”
“The phrase ‘with liberty and justice for all’ represents the idea that justice should be accessible to everyone. However, it is not,” Caprio said in one video, per The Guardian. “Almost 90% of low-income Americans are forced to battle civil issues like healthcare, unjust evictions, veterans benefits and, yes, even traffic violations, alone.”
Another memorable moment came when he dismissed a speeding ticket for 96-year-old Mr. Coella, who explained he was driving his 63-year-old son to the hospital for cancer treatment.
Caprio told him: “You are a good man. You really are what America is all about. Here you are in your nineties and you’re still taking care of your family. It’s just a wonderful thing for you.”
As a result of clips from his show gaining traction, Caprio gained a substantial online following, garnering over three million followers on Instagram and 1.6 million on TikTok.
The co-presidents of the company behind Caught in Providence, Debmar-Mercury, paid tribute to his "unique brand of compassion and common sense approach," adding: "We will miss him dearly," cited by BBC News.
Many viewers have also come forward to honour Caprio. "He either made me cry or smile every time I watched him on YT. U will be missed," one user wrote.
"Let me off hook for a parking ticket as a college freshman new to Providence. We’ll miss your kindness, Judge Caprio. May future judges follow your example of justice," another said.
A third added: If you watched any of his videos or followed any of his work….this man was all about second chances and understanding what it meant to put yourself into other peoples shoes. What an amazing man. An amazing human being."
Caprio first revealed his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2023 in an emotional video posted on Instagram. He shared that his diagnosis came around his birthday the month prior, which is usually "one of the happiest days of the year for me".
"This birthday is a little different than any other I have ever had," he said at the time. "Quite recently, I was not feeling well and received a medical examination, and the report was not a good one. And so I have been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, which is an insidious form of cancer."
In one of his last videos, shared from the hospital on August 19, Caprio told followers: "Last year I asked you to pray for me, and it's very obvious that you did because I came through a very difficult period. Unfortunately, I've had a setback. I'm back in the hospital now and I'm coming to you again, asking you to remember me in your prayers once more."
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee shared a tribute to the late judge on X, calling Caprio a "Rhode Island treasure" and saying that he had "faced his illness with bravery."
He has ordered that flags in Rhode Island be flown at half mast in honor of Caprio.
Our thoughts are with Caprio's loved ones at this time.