Frank Caprio: Beloved Providence Judge and Star of Caught in Providence

Frank Caprio was an American judge best known as the compassionate chief judge of the Providence Municipal Court and the star of the television show Caught in Providence. Born Francesco Caprio on November 24, 1936, in Providence, Rhode Island, he became internationally famous for his kindness in the courtroom.

Caprio served on the Providence City Council from 1962 to 1968 and as a municipal court judge from 1985 to 2023. His courtroom videos, in which he showed mercy and humor to defendants, went viral in 2017 with more than 15 million views, and Caught in Providence entered national syndication in 2018. He also played himself on the Showtime series Brotherhood.

Caprio married Joyce Tibaldi in 1965, and they had five children. A lifelong Red Sox fan, he threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park in 2019. He died in Providence on August 20, 2025, at age 88. Remembered as "the nicest judge in the world," he showed that justice and compassion can go hand in hand.

Achievements: Served on the Providence City Council (1962-1968), served as a Providence Municipal Court judge (1985-2023), Caught in Providence entered national syndication (2018), courtroom videos earned more than 15 million views (2017).

Birth: November 24, 1936 - Providence, Rhode Island.

Profession: Judge and politician.

Interesting Facts: Caprio won the Rhode Island state high school wrestling title in 1953.