Judge Frank Caprio, Beloved for His Compassionate Courtroom, Dies at 88

Judge Frank Caprio, whose compassion in the courtroom on the Emmy-nominated show "Caught in Providence" earned him millions of admirers worldwide, has died at 88.

Judge Frank Caprio, the beloved Rhode Island jurist known for his compassion, has died at 88 following a battle with cancer.

Caprio had previously been treated for pancreatic cancer and was in recovery, but a recurrence led to his hospitalization and death.

Condolences poured in across Rhode Island leadership. Governor Dan McKee ordered Rhode Island flags to fly at half-staff through the day of Caprio's interment, calling him a "treasure" who connected with people as "a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity."

Caprio became widely known as "the nicest judge in the world" through his long-running, Emmy-nominated television program "Caught in Providence" and his social media presence, where he attracted millions of followers.

Just a day before his death, Caprio appeared in a video asking for prayers as he faced his illness. Hours later, his social media team confirmed his passing.

Caprio is survived by his wife of nearly six decades, Joyce, their five children — including former state treasurer Frank T. Caprio — and their extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.