The Italian-American judge Frank Caprio, known for his compassionate performance on the show "Caught in Providence," died on Thursday, the 22nd, at the age of 88, in Providence, Rhode Island (USA). The information was released by his son in a video posted on his father's Instagram, which had more than 3,4 million followers.
According to the publication, Caprio died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Caprio became known internationally as the “kindest judge in the world” because of his humane approach when dealing with traffic offenders in his courtroom, often waiving fines for families in need.
Career and Italian origin
Son of Antonio Caprio, an immigrant from the city of Teano, in the Campania region, and Filomena Caprio, an Italian-American from Neapolitan ancestryFrank was born in the Federal Hill neighborhood, a stronghold of Providence's Italian community. His father was a milkman and sold fruit door to door.
Caprio served as a judge in Rhode Island for 38 years. He gained national and international recognition with the television show “Caught in Providence”, which showed the public real scenes from trials in which he applied the law with empathy and active listening.
Recognition and farewell
Caprio's death caused intense emotion. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee declared official mourning and ordered the lowering of flags in his honor. "He was more than a jurist—he was a symbol of empathy in the courtroom, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity," he said in a statement.
In December 2023, now retired, Caprio posted a video recalling a memorable episode from early in his career. After a hearing, he was reprimanded by his father for not listening to a mother of three who claimed she couldn't pay a $300 fine. "It never happened again after that," he said in the recording.
When announcing his death, his son left a final request: “In his memory, please show a little kindness today. I know he would love it.”
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