Remembering Frank Caprio, the ‘Nicest Judge in the World’

Frank Caprio, known worldwide for his compassionate and viral courtroom moments, passed away peacefully at 88 after battling pancreatic cancer.

Growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, in an Italian-American family,

he learned kindness early from his father, Antonio, who “never stopped delivering milk to anyone who had a child” and even “would take money out of his own pocket and tell the company, ‘They made a payment.’” These lessons deeply shaped Caprio’s approach as a judge.

A Journey Rooted in Hard Work and Compassion

Caprio worked as a dishwasher and shoe-shiner while attending Providence public schools.

After winning a state wrestling championship, he earned a degree from Providence College and taught American government while studying law at night.

His rise to fame came through his empathetic handling of traffic court cases, which eventually went viral online, gaining over 1.7 billion views. He always considered individual circumstances, making his decisions fair and human.

Joyce Caprio: The Woman Behind the Judge

Though Caprio’s younger brother filmed his courtroom sessions for years, it was his wife, Joyce, who suggested sharing them with the public.

“I didn’t like the idea actually, but of course, when my wife makes a suggestion, I usually don’t win that battle,” Frank said. Joyce was a constant source of support, standing by him throughout their 60-year marriage and his illness. Frank described her as “the incredible woman who gave me the greatest gift of all: our five amazing children!” Their strong bond and family life were central to his story.