Frank Caprio, longtime Chief Judge of Providence Municipal Court, has passed away at age 88

Who was Judge Frank Caprio?

Caprio, star of the beloved reality TV series “Caught in Providence,” was known for handling traffic violations with empathy and humor, giving viewers around the globe a peek inside an everyday city courtroom.

The show ran for more than two decades, being featured on local television before being nationally syndicated.

Through their screens, audiences saw Caprio prompt laughter and pull heartstrings while leveling with ordinary Rhode Islanders who made mistakes or were down on their luck.

According to reports, Frank Caprio, longtime Chief Judge of Providence Municipal Court, has passed away at age 88 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

His family confirmed the news on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Our condolences go out to his loved ones and all who were impacted by his many years of service.

Judge Frank Caprio, who has shared his compassion in the courtroom for over 35 years, has been receiving supportive letters from around the world since his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer.

Gov. Dan McKee ordered all Rhode Island flags at all state agencies and buildings be flown at half staff until Caprio’s internment.

“Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure,” McKee said in a statement. “

Caprio is survived by his wife, Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In a statement announcing his passing, his family encouraged everyone to honor his memory by striving to bring more compassion into the world, just as he did every day. 

Please ase keep him and his family in your prayers if they deal with this situation at the time.