Frank Caprio, a famous judge, who worked in Providence, Rhode Island as a municipal court judge for almost 40 years has died at age 88. He was a Catholic known as “America’s kindest judge,” especially for being merciful and passed away on August 20 from pancreatic cancer.
His Official FB Page wrote: Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
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.
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.
In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.
He was a Roman Catholic who went on pilgrimage to Our Lady of Lourdes in France:
On his Website some of his inspirational achievements are highlighted:
Judge Frank Caprio has become a household name, resonating not only within the legal community but also in the hearts of countless individuals worldwide. His unique approach to justice, marked by fairness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to serving the community, embodies what it means to be a true public servant. Throughout his career, Judge Caprio has built a rich legacy centered on kindness. Handling cases filled with human stories, he is acutely aware of the complexities of human behavior, demonstrating rare sensitivity in a role often associated with strict law enforcement. His ability to simultaneously balance justice and compassion sets him apart, making his narrative both compelling and relatable.
Lessons Learned from a Compassionate Approach:
Judge Caprio prioritized compassion and understanding, showing how one can hold others accountable while also uplifting them.
1. Listen Before Judging: Taking time to understand people's stories can dramatically shift how we approach conflict and misunderstandings. Whether in personal or professional situations, active listening can lead to more meaningful resolutions.
2. Encourage Growth: Instead of focusing solely on punishment, seek ways to promote improvement and accountability. This approach works in everyday interactions with friends, family, and colleagues, enhancing relationships and fostering a constructive environment.
Brief BIOGRAPHY JUDGE CAPRIO
Growing up on Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island, Judge Caprio came from humble beginnings. He grew up as the second of three boys with stay-at-home mother Filomena and father Antonio, who worked as a fruit peddler and milkman. In their cold-water flat, family love sparked his ambitions. Long before he became Judge Caprio, young Frank shined shoes, delivered newspapers, and worked on a milk truck, following his parents’ example of working hard to better the lives of those around him. This upbringing ingrained in him an extraordinary ability to view the world from the perspective of others. Frank has put that ability to good use, dedicating his life to service.
He has served as a Providence Municipal Court Judge since 1985. His court is known worldwide due to the top-rated, nationally syndicated television show “Caught in Providence,” which was nominated for a Daytime Emmy award in 2021. Judge Caprio also served ten years as chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, which is the governing body for the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and Community College of Rhode Island.
At Suffolk University School of Law, he founded the Antonio “Tup” Caprio Scholarship Fund. This scholarship, named for the Judge’s father, is awarded to Rhode Island students who are committed to improving access to legal services in underserved neighborhoods. He has also established scholarships named in honor of his dad at Providence College; and at Providence’s Central High School.
Judge Caprio was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law
by his alma mater Suffolk University School of Law in 1991 and Providence College in 2008 in addition to an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of Rhode Island in 2016. In 2003 he was the first recipient of the Enrico Caruso Award from the Providence Opera for his major contributions to the arts. Judge Caprio’s contributions to his home state earned him induction into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. Most recently, he adorned a graduation gown when he was the commencement speaker for Boston University School of Law's Class of 2020.
FAMILY
Judge Caprio and his wife of almost six decades,
Joyce Caprio, have five children, seven grandchildren, and two great grand-children.
Judge Caprio’s critically acclaimed show depicts real cases heard in his Providence Municipal courtroom. Some stories are touching, others whacky, but Judge Caprio’s compassionate and singular style of justice is always on full display.
Sources: https://www.frankcaprio.com/about-3Lessons Learned from a Compassionate Approach:
Judge Caprio prioritized compassion and understanding, showing how one can hold others accountable while also uplifting them.
1. Listen Before Judging: Taking time to understand people's stories can dramatically shift how we approach conflict and misunderstandings. Whether in personal or professional situations, active listening can lead to more meaningful resolutions.
2. Encourage Growth: Instead of focusing solely on punishment, seek ways to promote improvement and accountability. This approach works in everyday interactions with friends, family, and colleagues, enhancing relationships and fostering a constructive environment.
Brief BIOGRAPHY JUDGE CAPRIO
Growing up on Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island, Judge Caprio came from humble beginnings. He grew up as the second of three boys with stay-at-home mother Filomena and father Antonio, who worked as a fruit peddler and milkman. In their cold-water flat, family love sparked his ambitions. Long before he became Judge Caprio, young Frank shined shoes, delivered newspapers, and worked on a milk truck, following his parents’ example of working hard to better the lives of those around him. This upbringing ingrained in him an extraordinary ability to view the world from the perspective of others. Frank has put that ability to good use, dedicating his life to service.
He has served as a Providence Municipal Court Judge since 1985. His court is known worldwide due to the top-rated, nationally syndicated television show “Caught in Providence,” which was nominated for a Daytime Emmy award in 2021. Judge Caprio also served ten years as chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, which is the governing body for the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and Community College of Rhode Island.
At Suffolk University School of Law, he founded the Antonio “Tup” Caprio Scholarship Fund. This scholarship, named for the Judge’s father, is awarded to Rhode Island students who are committed to improving access to legal services in underserved neighborhoods. He has also established scholarships named in honor of his dad at Providence College; and at Providence’s Central High School.
Judge Caprio was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law
by his alma mater Suffolk University School of Law in 1991 and Providence College in 2008 in addition to an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of Rhode Island in 2016. In 2003 he was the first recipient of the Enrico Caruso Award from the Providence Opera for his major contributions to the arts. Judge Caprio’s contributions to his home state earned him induction into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. Most recently, he adorned a graduation gown when he was the commencement speaker for Boston University School of Law's Class of 2020.
FAMILY
Judge Caprio and his wife of almost six decades,
Joyce Caprio, have five children, seven grandchildren, and two great grand-children.
Judge Caprio’s critically acclaimed show depicts real cases heard in his Providence Municipal courtroom. Some stories are touching, others whacky, but Judge Caprio’s compassionate and singular style of justice is always on full display.
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