Frank Caprio, the retired municipal judge from Rhode Island who gained worldwide fame as the kind-hearted host of Caught in Providence, has died at the age of 88.
His official social media accounts announced Wednesday that he “passed away peacefully” after “a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.”
Caprio became a global sensation through clips of his courtroom, where minor infractions were met with humor, empathy, and understanding. Often dismissing tickets or reducing penalties, he presented a stark contrast to the confrontational image of many TV judges.
Known for calling children to the bench to help pass judgment or comforting those in distress, Caprio’s videos have amassed more than a billion views online. One of his most memorable moments featured him consoling a grieving mother before dismissing her $400 in fines.
Caprio also used his platform to highlight inequities in the justice system, noting that nearly 90% of low-income Americans face civil issues such as healthcare, housing, or traffic violations without legal representation.
His family described him as “a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend,” and praised him for his “compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”
State and local leaders joined millions of fans around the world in mourning his passing and celebrating his enduring legacy of kindness and fairness.
