Frank Caprio (November 24, 1936 – August 20, 2025) served as a kind judge. He also served in the Providence Municipal Court with empathy and compassion from 1985 until 2023. Moreover, he is famous worldwide for his kindness, light humor, and empathy. He treats everyone with kindness and welcomes them wholeheartedly. Additionally, he explained the laws to those who didn’t understand them. This is the main reason for his global recognition. Mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr appointed Frank Caprio. Eventually, Frank Caprio held the ceremonial title of Chief Judge Emeritus.
Frank Caprio was born and grew up in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood. Additionally, his father was a fruit vendor and milkman. Interestingly, his father instilled in him the values of education and empathy. Eventually, became a psychologist and social psychology author. Frank experienced learning in the Providence public schools. To our amazement, he earned extra money, had a responsible person from the very start, and also worked as a shoe shiner and dishwasher. Moreover, he taught at a school and got his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1965. From 1954 to 1962, Caprio proudly was a part of the Rhode Island Army National Guard’s 876th Combat Engineer Battalion.
Political Journey
Caprio started his political career on the Providence City Council (1962 and 1968) and eventually moved towards higher offices.
Championing Empathy from the Bench
In 1985, Caprio became Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court. He also earned the title of Chief Judge Emeritus. Moreover, in 2023, his courtroom was called “The Chief Judge Frank Caprio Courtroom”. This is a kind of tribute to his service by his lovers.
He became worldwide famous, specifically for the TV series Caught in Providence. His compassion, the blend of empathy, kindness, and wit, made him exceptional. Everyone becomes a fan of his wisdom and strategic approach to handling even complex cases with intelligence.
Giving Back: Community Engagement
Caprio honored his father’s legacy. He founded the Caprio scholarship at Suffolk University School of Law. Meanwhile, he aimed to support Rhode Island students. Furthermore, he made deliberate efforts to help everyone. In addition, he established the same scholarships at many other colleges. Moreover, he played a significant role in the Statue of Liberty foundation in 1983.
Frank Caprio got a law doctorate from:
Suffolk University (1991),
Providence College (2008),
doctorate in public service from Rhode Island (2016).
Producer’s Circle Award (2018)
He was firmly rooted in the Catholic faith, and he often expressed his spiritual devotion.
In December 2023, Caprio disclosed a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. On August 19, 2025, he shared a health setback on social media. At last, he passed away the next day at the age of 88.
. Caprio started his political career on the Providence City Council){kind=link}