Frank Caprio, a US judge who became an internet sensation for his compassion and courteous demeanor in court, has died at 88, his family announced on social media
Retired judge, served on bench for nearly 4 decades before retiring in 2023 became known for his lenient approach to minor infractions
“It is with profound sadness that I share news that my father Judge Frank Caprio passed away today, peacefully surrounded by family & friends after long & courageous battle with pancreatic cancer”
his son David Caprio said in video posted on judge’s Instagram account
His family said in statement that he was “beloved around world for his deep compassion, humility & unwavering faith in goodness of people” & an “example of humanity”
Caprio had posted video on Tuesday from his hospital bed asking for prayers after suffering health “setback”
His courtroom reality TV show “Caught in Providence” which began in 2000, featured his sympathetic treatment of defendants facing traffic violations & parking tickets
Clips from show garnered tens of millions of views on social media often showing him dismissing fines for struggling families / asking children to help decide their parents’ punishments
He attended Suffolk University School of Law in Boston at night while working as school teacher eventually serving as Providence’s municipal court chief judge from 1985-2023
He drew millions of followers on social media who dubbed him “nicest judge in the world”
Caprio also wrote an autobiography titled “Compassion in Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge”
Born in 1936 & raised in Providence, Rhode Island, had worked multiple jobs including shining shoes & delivering newspapers according to his website
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee praised as “more than jurist, he was symbol of empathy on bench showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity”
“He will be remembered not only as respected judge but as loving husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather & friend” family said