Frank Caprio, the long-serving Providence municipal court judge who became known worldwide as “America’s nicest judge,” has died at the age of 88 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Caprio, a devout Catholic, served nearly four decades on the bench and gained international recognition through the television program Caught in Providence. His unique blend of justice and kindness went viral, drawing millions of viewers online.
His trademark phrase, “Your case is dismissed,” became a pop culture symbol.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff in tribute, noting the judge’s profound impact in a post on his official Facebook page.
Caprio often said he tried to put himself “in the shoes of the person before me.”
Born in Providence in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents, Caprio began his career teaching high school government before earning his law degree at night. He was appointed to the bench in 1985 and served until his retirement in 2023.
Throughout his life, Caprio spoke openly about his faith, especially during his illness. Shortly before his death, he asked for prayers on Instagram, writing: “I have a deep and abiding faith in the Catholic Church, in Jesus, in the power of prayer.”
In 2024, he made a pilgrimage to Lourdes, where he sang Ave Maria at the grotto.