Frank Caprio, Longtime Providence Judge, Passes Away at 88

Providence, RI – Frank Caprio, who dedicated nearly four decades as a judge in Providence City Court, has died at the age of 88. His son confirmed the news on Wednesday.

Caprio gained popularity after being elected in 1985 and became well-known for his television series, “Caught in Providence.” Some of its clips were even nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2021 and got quite a bit of traction on TikTok.

Born and raised in Federal Hill, Providence, he was the middle child of three sons. During his youth, he dabbled in various pursuits—taking pictures of his shoes, delivering newspapers, and working with a milk truck. He graduated from Central High School and later received a bachelor’s degree from Providence College. After that, he returned to teach U.S. government at Hope High School.

While working as a teacher, Caprio attended Suffolk University Law School in Boston at night, aspiring to enter the legal field. He also spent ten years as chairman of the Rhode Island Governor’s Committee, which oversees the state’s university system.

At Suffolk, he founded the Antonio “Tap” Caprio Scholarship Fund in memory of his father, aimed at helping Rhode Island students committed to enhancing legal services in underserved communities. He also established scholarships at Providence College and Central High School in his father’s honor.

Caprio announced his retirement from the Providence City Court in January 2023 after nearly 40 years on the bench. Not long after, the court was renamed in his honor in October 2023.

After his 87th birthday last December, Caprio revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and completed his last radiation therapy in May.

He is survived by his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Details regarding funeral arrangements have yet to be disclosed.