Judge Frank Caprio, Star of ‘Caught in Providence,’ Dies at 88

PROVIDENCE, RI (WBSM) — Beloved judge and television personality Frank Caprio has passed away at the age of 88.

The news was posted to Caprio’s official social media pages this afternoon. According to media outlets, the Caught in Providence star passed away at 2:15 p.m.

Caprio, who spent nearly 40 years on the bench, had been battling pancreatic cancer since 2023.

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Although in 2024 he announced he had undergone his final radiation treatment, Caprio was back in the hospital yesterday and put out a social media post asking for prayers once again.

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At 10:27 a.m. today, his social media pages posted a photo of a smiling Caprio giving a thumbs up, thanking everyone for their prayers and well-wishes. However, he passed away less than four hours later.

“Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him,” his accounts posted in the announcement of his passing.

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“He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired,” the post read. “In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world just as he did every day.”

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Caprio’s Early Life in Providence

A Providence native, Caprio graduated from Central High School, where he won a state wrestling championship in 1953. He then received a bachelor's degree from Providence College in 1958 and later a law degree from Suffolk University School of Law.

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Caprio became a Providence Municipal Court judge in 1985, and was on the bench until his retirement in 2023. He also served as a Providence City Councilor from 1962 to 1968.

Caught in Providence Brings Global Fame

During his time on the bench, Caprio starred in Caught in Providence, which featured actual cases from his courtroom. Originally broadcast on cable access, it moved to WLNE-TV in 2000 and remained on the air for many years, coming back in 2015 after a hiatus.

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In 2018, it went into national syndication, making Caprio famous across the U.S. The show ended with his retirement from the bench in 2023, but the show still remains popular in social media videos and on Amazon Prime.

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Fairhaven’s John Methia, who served as the producer for Caught in Providence on WLNE, posted a tribute to Judge Caprio on his Facebook page.

“His unwavering belief in people’s goodness touched countless lives far beyond his courtroom. He touched the world,” Methia wrote. “Rest peacefully Judge, knowing you made this world a better place.”

Caprio’s Family and Legacy

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