Frank Caprio, a retired municipal judge from Rhode Island, has died at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, according to a statement on his official social media accounts. Caprio was widely recognized for his compassionate approach in the courtroom and gained fame as the host of the show "Caught in Providence."

Caprio's courtroom was known for its kindness and understanding. He often dismissed minor traffic tickets and showed empathy to those who appeared before him. His unique style set him apart from many television judges, as he focused on compassion rather than confrontation. Clips from his show have garnered over 1 billion views on social media.

In a recent video, Caprio shared that he had experienced a setback in his health and asked his followers to keep him in their prayers. His family described him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. They noted that he touched the lives of millions through his work, stating, "Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio left an indelible mark on all who knew him."

Caprio was born on November 23, 1936, in Providence, where he later served as a municipal court judge for nearly four decades. He began his career as a teacher of American government at Hope High School while attending law school at night. He was appointed to the Providence Municipal Court in 1985 and continued to serve until his retirement in 2023.

Throughout his career, Caprio emphasized the importance of accessibility to justice. He often spoke about the challenges faced by low-income Americans in navigating the judicial system. In one of his videos, he stated, "The phrase 'With liberty and justice for all' represents the idea that justice should be accessible to everyone. However, it is not."

Caprio's legacy includes not only his judicial work but also his ability to connect with people on a personal level. His most popular videos often featured him interacting with children in the courtroom or showing compassion to those facing difficult circumstances.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed his condolences, stating, "Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way. He was more than a jurist — he was a symbol of empathy on the bench."

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