The American judge Frank Caprio, renowned for his compassionate and empathetic style in courtrooms and popularized through the show Caught in Providence, passed away at the age of 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
His death was announced on Wednesday, August 20, through a statement on his social media, where it was reported that Caprio "passed away peacefully […] after a long and brave battle."
The message emphasized that his "compassion, humility, and unwavering faith in the goodness of people impacted the lives of millions," describing him as "a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend."
The tribute included images of the magistrate in his robe and family photographs.
Less than 24 hours before the announcement, Caprio had addressed his followers in an emotional video from the hospital, where he revealed that he had suffered a setback in his treatment and once again requested to be remembered in their prayers.
"The Almighty takes care of us, so please remember me," he said with a smile, accompanied by a final photograph in which he appeared giving a thumbs-up in a gesture of encouragement.
A nearby and television judge
Caprio was appointed judge in 1985 and retired in 2023.
He gained international fame with Caught in Providence (2018-2020), a program that featured real cases of traffic violations in Providence, Rhode Island. His conciliatory style and deep empathy made him a benchmark for compassionate justice.
The series received four nominations for the Daytime Emmy Awards, three of which were for Outstanding Legal/Judicial Program, and Caprio was nominated for Outstanding Daytime Personality.
Many of his cases went viral on social media, such as that of a 96-year-old man facing a speeding ticket while taking his son, who was sick with cancer, to the doctor. The judge dismissed the case, moved by the story.
Another one of his most viral moments occurred in 2017, when he allowed a five-year-old boy to decide the penalty for his father for a parking violation.
The young boy opted for a reduced fine, which elicited laughter in the room. Ultimately, Caprio relieved the defendant of the payment with one condition: to invite the boy to breakfast, "who had just saved him 30 dollars."
A life of human legacy
In December 2023, Caprio publicly announced that he was suffering from pancreatic cancer. Since then, he has shared his progress with his followers, expressing gratitude for the support and prayers he has received.
He leaves behind his wife, Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
"In his honor, let each of us strive to bring a little more compassion to the world, just as he did every day," concluded the family statement.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Legacy of Judge Frank Caprio
Who was Frank Caprio and why was he famous?
Frank Caprio was an American judge known for his humane and compassionate style in the courtroom. He became famous through the show "Caught in Providence," where real traffic violation cases were aired, showcasing his empathetic approach to justice. His work earned him international recognition and several Emmy nominations.
What was Frank Caprio's impact on justice?
The impact of Frank Caprio on justice was significant due to his compassionate and human approach. His style in the courtroom demonstrated that justice can be applied with empathy and understanding, inspiring millions and establishing a benchmark in compassionate justice. His cases often went viral, highlighting the importance of considering the personal circumstances of the defendants.
How did Frank Caprio face his illness before passing away?
Frank Caprio faced his illness with courage and kept his followers informed about his health status. Despite his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, he shared his journey with the public, expressing gratitude for the support and prayers from his followers. Even in his final moments, he remained positive and requested to be remembered in their prayers.
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