PROVIDENCE (Usa) – “Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer…” …the news broke a few hours ago on social media: the most famous (and loved) judge in the world, Frank Caprio, is dead. 

A true star, deservedly so, thanks to his unusual behavior in the courtroom where he had spent much of his life. Unusual, because Frank was compassionate and understanding toward those who found themselves “in the dock” for minor infractions and perhaps without a cent to pay the fine. And he tried to understand, he asked, he dug deeper, always with tact and kindness. With a smile. And then, once he understood the often extremely difficult situation of the person in front of him, he sought a humane solution: a symbolic fine, or a simple warning. Or just nothing, or sometimes even a concrete help.

“Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him…” continues the post  about his death, published on his social media pages. “He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day…”.

Caprio served as Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence, Rhode Island, and previously served as Director of the Rhode Island Board of Governors. The general public became acquainted with him when the trials he presided over began being broadcast on the television program “Caught in Providence.” About a decade ago, after being posted on YouTube, videos filmed in his courtroom went viral, garnering millions of views and continuing to circulate across social media, with hundreds of thousands of views and comments.

Frank was born in Providence, Rhode Island, to a family of humble Italian origins: he was the son of Antonio Caprio, a traveling salesman who left Teano (in the province of Caserta, Italy) in search of fortune, and Filomena Dello Iacono, the daughter of Italian immigrants. Frank’s childhood was marked by menial jobs, such as dishwasher and shoe shiner, but also by determination and talent: in 1953, he won the national wrestling title and, after studying history and civics at Providence College, earned a law degree from Suffolk University in Boston.

His legal career was marked by an unwavering commitment to making justice accessible and humane. Caprio leaves behind an example of humanity and kindness that lives on in the acts of kindness he inspired.

And also the city of Teano in Italy, where he went to rediscover his roots and see firsthand the places where his father grew up, is proud for what he did in his life remembers him as “a son of his land who, despite achieving international fame, never stopped feeling part of the community of his roots…”.

For the people of Teano, he was simply Francesco Caprio, “the humane magistrate who, with his unique courtroom style, won over millions of people around the world. Warmth, humor, compassion, and an unwavering faith in the goodness of humanity: these were the qualities that made him unforgettable…” as writes, today, Caserta News (here).

A few hours before his death, Frank posted a video on social media, asking fans to pray for him: “I ask you—if you can—to pray for me. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe the Almighty is watching over us, so please remember me…” …don’t worry, Frank: it will be easy to remember such a great champion of humanity.