Judge Frank Caprio, the widely admired Rhode Island jurist celebrated for his compassionate approach to justice, has passed away at the age of 88 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Known internationally through the courtroom reality show Caught in Providence, Caprio became a viral sensation for his empathetic and humane handling of cases, often seen in social media clips.

His death was confirmed on his official Instagram page, which stated that he died “peacefully” and would be “remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.”

Caprio’s legacy of kindness and humility in the courtroom left a lasting impact on millions around the world.

Just hours before his passing, Caprio posted a final video message from his hospital bed, in which he expressed heartfelt gratitude and asked followers to keep him in their thoughts.

“I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more. So I ask you again if it’s not too much that you can remember me in your prayers,” he said in the emotional clip.

He was widely admired for his compassionate courtroom demeanor, became a household name through his show Caught in Providence, which aired nationally from 2018 to 2020 and received multiple Daytime Emmy nominations. The show reflected his core belief that “justice should be fair, kind, and rooted in respect for dignity.”

Caprio, born in Providence, Rhode Island, served as a municipal judge from 1985 until his retirement in 2023. His reputation as “America’s Nicest Judge” was further solidified when Caught in Providence earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2021.