Frank Caprio, who served for decades as a municipal judge in Providence, Rhode Island, gained international renown as a symbol of compassion and fairness. Born in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents, he grew up in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence and attended Providence College, graduating in 1958, while working and later studying law at night at Suffolk University. Over the years, he held roles in local government and was appointed chief judge of the Providence Municipal Court in 1985, remaining on the bench until his retirement in 2023.

Caprio’s reputation extended far beyond legal circles because of his gentle, humane approach in the courtroom. His style—marked by listening, empathy, and often leniency in minor infractions—won him a devoted following after clips of his rulings went viral online. The televised series Caught in Providence further amplified his reach, exposing audiences across the U.S. and around the world to his philosophy of justice grounded in kindness. In many cases, he reduced or dismissed fines for individuals in financial hardship, or involved children in decisions to stimulate understanding and responsibility.

In late 2023, Caprio announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent treatment, including radiation, in 2024. He passed away on August 20, 2025, at age 88. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, their five children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren. Caprio’s legacy endures in the many lives he touched and in his vision that justice and mercy need not be in tension.