Judge Frank Caprio, beloved for viral court videos, dies at 88 from pancreatic cancer

Judge Frank Caprio, who is known for his heartwarming viral court moments, has died. He was 88.

According to a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the former Providence, Rhode Island, judge "passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer."

"Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond," the statement continued. "His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him."

The statement went on and said that 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 strive to bring a little more compassion into the world -- just as he did every day."

Many may know Caprio from his TV show, "Caught in Providence," in which clips from the series have gone viral on social media.

Caprio became known as the "nicest judge in the world" for his compassion in the courtroom and the leniency he provided to those who needed it most.

The show aired in 2000 and earned four Daytime Emmy nominations.

"Compassion, understanding and sympathy really emanates from my upbringing, my early childhood," Caprio told "GMA3" in February while he was promoting his book, "Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories From America's Nicest Judge." "My parents were from Italy and they took care of all the neighbors and helped them, and it was those influences that really influenced my life."

"Sometimes you can change somebody's life just by placing your hand on your shoulder and telling them you believe in them," Caprio told NBC Boston in 2024.

Born on Nov. 23, 1936, Caprio grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, where he would go on to serve as a municipal court judge nearly 50 years later, according to his website.

Prior to law, he taught American government at Hope High School in Providence. While teaching, he also attended night school at Suffolk University School of Law in Boston.

He served as a Providence Municipal Court Judge from 1985 to 2023.

In December 2023, shortly after his 87th birthday, Caprio shared an emotional video on social media revealing his cancer diagnosis.

"I would ask each of you in your own way to please pray for me," he began in the video at the time. "Quite recently, I was not feeling well and received a medical examination and the report was not a good one."

"I have been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, which is an insidious form of cancer," he continued.

Caprio said that he was being treated for the disease.

"I know this is a long road and I'm fully prepared to fight as hard as I can," he added and thanked his followers for their kind messages. "I am in need for the power of prayer which I believe in addition to medical treatment that I'm receiving, is the most powerful weapon to help me survive this. Just knowing that you were keeping me in your thoughts means the world to me."

In May 2024, Caprio completed his last radiation treatment, sharing on social media that he rang the bell at Baptist Health Cancer Care to mark the occasion.

In one of his last videos on his official Instagram page, which was shared on Tuesday, Caprio said he had a "setback" and was back in the hospital. He asked his followers to "remember me in your prayers once more."

"I ask you again if it's not too much to remember me in your prayers," he said.

Caprio is survived by his wife, Joyce Caprio, of almost 60 years, their five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, according to his website.