Frank Caprio, beloved reality TV judge, dies at 88 after battle with pancreatic cancer

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Frank Caprio, the widely admired Rhode Island traffic judge whose compassion and humanity made him a television favorite, has died at the age of 88.

His family confirmed the news through a statement on his official Instagram account on Wednesday, August 20, revealing that Caprio died peacefully following a long and difficult battle with pancreatic cancer.

TV Judge Frank Caprio dies at 88

“Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer,” the message read, adding that his “compassion, humility and unwavering belief in the goodness of people” touched countless lives.

The tribute went on to describe him not only as a respected judge but also as a devoted family man. “He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend,” it said. “In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.”

Just a day before his death, Caprio appeared in an emotional video filmed from his hospital bed, updating his followers on his health. He revealed that 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, his voice filled with emotion. “The almighty above is looking over us, so remember me please.”

The post included a caption that read, “As I continue this difficult battle, your prayers will lift my spirit.”

Caprio began serving as a Providence Municipal Court judge in 1985, retiring in 2023 after nearly four decades on the bench. He rose to international recognition through the reality series 'Caught in Providence', which aired from 2018 to 2020.

Frank Caprio is survived by his wife, Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Internet in disbelief after Frank Caprio's death

The internet is mourning the loss of Judge Frank Caprio, the beloved 'Caught in Providence' star known for his compassion and fairness in the courtroom, after news broke that he died at the age of 88.

Tributes flooded social media within minutes of the announcement. One user wrote, “We need more judges like him. Thank you for everything, Judge Caprio.”

Others shared their grief and prayers. “I was just praying for him this morning. What a beautiful day it is in heaven!” one person said.

Another added on Instagram, “No! I’m devastated! I prayed for him last night. I am so, so sorry for his friends and family—he was such a light and I looked forward to hearing his messages of kindness every day. I will keep his word close to my heart. So happy to know he graced this earth.”

Tributes continued to highlight his legacy of kindness. “Go Mr Frank and claim the treasure I know you earned up there,” one user wrote.

Another said, “Heartbreaking. Never wanted to hear this. Extremely saddened, a beautiful soul left the world.”

One post summed up the mood across platforms: “The courtroom will never see another like him.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.