Notable Rhode Island Judge Frank Caprio Passes Away at 88
The well-respected judge from Rhode Island, Frank Caprio, has passed away at the ripe age of 88. His son, David Caprio, announced the sad news through a social media post.
Frank Caprio, who had been a judge at the Providence Municipal Court, lost his life after battling pancreatic cancer. His death was confirmed through a heartfelt message shared on social media.
Remembering Judge Caprio
Caprio was cherished for his empathy, humility, and unwavering faith in people's inherent goodness. His unique approach to his work in the courtroom and his interactions outside of it had a profound impact on millions of lives. His infectious warmth, humor, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed paths with him.
David Caprio noted in his video announcement how the love and support his father received from his well-wishers gave him the strength to go on, living a year and a half beyond his initial diagnosis.
Judge Caprio gained popularity on social media for his compassionate approach to hearing cases related to traffic and parking infractions and arraignments for criminal offenses. His empathy and humor in dealing with these cases endeared him to audiences worldwide.
Early Life and Career
Caprio spent his childhood in Federal Hill, Providence, Rhode Island, and he was the middle child of three boys. Before he donned the robes of a judge, he had humble beginnings, shining shoes, delivering newspapers, and working on a milk truck.
He graduated from a local college in Providence in 1958 and took up a position teaching American government at a local high school. During his time as a teacher, he pursued a law degree from a night school in Boston.
Caprio held his position as a judge at the Providence Municipal Court from 1985 to 2023.
A Life in Spotlight
An Emmy-nominated TV show that aired from 2018 to 2020 brought Caprio's life into the limelight. The show, which focused on his daily routine dealing with traffic cases and misdemeanors in Rhode Island, made him a social media sensation.
In December 2023, Caprio publicly announced his battle with pancreatic cancer. He hoped that his fight against the disease would inspire others facing similar challenges.
In a 2024 interview, he shared that his deep empathy for others was born out of his own experiences of growing up in poverty in Providence, just a few blocks away from the courthouse that now bears his name.
Caprio always emphasized that he was just a humble municipal court judge trying to make a difference. He believed in considering the unique circumstances of the people appearing before him. He often quoted his father's advice: "When someone stands before you, imagine yourself in their shoes. How would you want to be treated?"
His battle with pancreatic cancer added an extra plea in his nightly prayers – for the treatment to be successful. And he believed they were on the right path.
A Loving Family Man
Frank Caprio is survived by his wife, Joyce Caprio, to whom he was married for nearly 60 years. He is also survived by his five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.