Frank Caprio, TikTok-Famous ‘Nicest Judge in the World,’ Dies at 88 After Battle with Pancreatic Cancer

Frank Caprio, the retired Rhode Island municipal judge whose compassion in the courtroom earned him the title of the “Nicest Judge in the World” and millions of followers online, has died at 88 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Caprio, best known for his reality courtroom series Caught in Providence, passed away peacefully on August 20, according to a statement released on his official Instagram account. “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,” the post read. “His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.”

Born in Providence in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents, Caprio worked his way through college and law school before becoming a practicing attorney and later a municipal judge. Over the course of his decades-long career, he earned a reputation not for harsh rulings but for blending justice with humanity. His courtroom became famous for moments where he would reduce or dismiss fines for those struggling financially, allow children to help decide outcomes, or offer heartfelt advice alongside his rulings.

Those qualities were captured on Caught in Providence, which ran nationally between 2018 and 2020 and earned multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations. The show transformed everyday traffic hearings into stories of compassion that resonated far beyond Rhode Island. Clips shared online quickly went viral, earning Caprio millions of fans across the world.

Compassion in the Court: Read an Excerpt from Judge Frank Caprio's New Memoir - Rhode Island Monthly

On social media, he amassed over three million followers on Instagram and more than 1.6 million on TikTok, where short videos of his rulings were viewed tens of millions of times. For many, Judge Caprio became a symbol of what justice could be when delivered with empathy.

His health struggles became public in 2023 when he revealed in an emotional Instagram video that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “This birthday is a little different than any other I have ever had,” he said at the time. “Quite recently, I was not feeling well and received a medical examination and the report was not a good one. And so I have been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, which is an insidious form of cancer.”

Caprio continued to share his journey candidly with supporters. Just one day before his death, he posted another video from his hospital bed, addressing his followers with gratitude and vulnerability. “Last year I asked you to pray for me, and it’s very obvious that you did because I came through a very difficult period,” he said. “Unfortunately, I’ve had a setback. I’m back in the hospital now and I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more.”

News of his passing has drawn tributes from political leaders, fellow judges, and millions of fans worldwide. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee described Caprio as “a Rhode Island treasure” who “faced his illness with bravery.” In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), McKee added, “I will miss him dearly,” and ordered flags across the state to fly at half-mast in the judge’s honor.

Judge Frank Caprio

Caprio’s legacy lies not only in the legal rulings he handed down, but in the lives he touched through his simple, compassionate philosophy. For those who watched him, whether in his courtroom or on social media, his approach offered a rare glimpse of justice rooted in humanity.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce, as well as five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family encouraged admirers to honor his memory by living with the same compassion he displayed throughout his life. “His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired,” their statement read.

Frank Caprio may be gone, but the countless moments he shared — of laughter, kindness, and empathy — continue to echo far beyond Providence, carrying his message of justice with humanity to every corner of the world.