Judge Frank Caprio, the former chief municipal judge of Providence, Rhode Island, USA has died at the age of 88 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
His death was confirmed by his son, David Caprio, in a video message on Wednesday. He explained that his father passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.
Judge Caprio, a devout Catholic, became internationally known through the television series Caught in Providence, where his gentle and compassionate approach to justice touched millions of viewers worldwide.
David Caprio said his father lived longer than doctors first expected after his diagnosis two years ago, crediting the encouragement and prayers from supporters around the world for giving him extra strength. “It was the love and support he received that lifted his spirits and helped him outlive his diagnosis,” he explained. He urged people to honour his father’s memory by showing kindness to others.
Only a day before his passing, Judge Caprio released a video asking the public to pray for him once more, saying he remained a firm believer in God’s care and the power of prayer.
Beyond his courtroom role, Judge Caprio also served for many years as chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, having first been appointed in 1985 and reappointed several times.
News of his death has drawn tributes from across the United States. Rhode Island governor Dan McKee called him a “state treasure” and ordered flags on government buildings to be lowered to half-mast in his honour.
Judge Caprio is survived by his wife Joyce, their five children, Frank Jr., David, Marissa, John and Paul, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
