Judge Frank Caprio — known for his compassion in the courtroom — has passed away following a fight with cancer.
His death was announced via his social media on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
“Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer,” the statement on his Instagram began.
Noting that his “compassion, humility and unwavering belief in the goodness of people” touched the lives of millions, the message stated. “His warmth, humor and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
“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,” it continued. “In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.”
The tribute included a photo of Caprio in his judge’s robe as well as several snapshots of him over the years and with his family.
Less than 24 hours before his death was announced, the judge addressed his followers in an emotional video from his hospital bed.
Caprio revealed he had “suffered a setback” and had returned to the hospital.
“I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more,” he said in the touching Instagram clip. “So I ask you again if it’s not too much that you can remember me in your prayers.”
Stating he believes in the power of prayer, Caprio heartbreakingly added, “The almighty above is looking over us, so remember me please.”
He captioned the video, “As I continue this difficult battle, your prayers will lift my spirit,” before sharing a photo from the hospital, which turned out to be his last.
Smiling while holding a thumbs-up, the reality TV star’s team captioned the picture: “Judge Caprio wishes to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your prayers, love and support while he is in the hospital. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to him. He and his family are deeply grateful. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers today.”
He became a judge in 1985 and retired in 2023.
The beloved Rhode Island traffic judge gained fame from his reality show “Caught in Providence,” which ran from 2018 to 2020.
The series earned four Daytime Emmy nominations, including three for outstanding legal/courtroom program. Caprio was also nominated for outstanding daytime personality.
Caprio was also popular on social media, with clips of “Caught in Providence” showing his sympathy in the courtroom toward those who shared their stories of struggle going viral in recent years.
In one viral clip, Caprio dismissed a 96-year-old man’s case when he was charged with speeding in a school zone while driving his 63-year-old cancer-stricken son to the doctor.
In December 2023, he revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“The report was not a good one,” Caprio shared with his fans at the time. “I have been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, which is an insidious form of cancer.”
“I’m being treated by a wonderful team of doctors, both here in Rhode Island and at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts,” he added. “I pray that God guides their thoughts and their hands in their treatment of me.”
Caprio leaves behind his wife, Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandkids.
