Judge Frank Caprio, the beloved American jurist whose compassion and
kindness in the courtroom made him a global figure, has died at the age of 88.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook
account, his family confirmed that Caprio “passed away peacefully after a long
and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.”
The post described him as a man “beloved for his
compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people,” adding
that his warmth, humour, and humanity touched the lives of millions.
“His warmth, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew
him,” the statement read.
Caprio rose to international prominence through
his long-running television show Caught in
Providence, which featured real-life cases from his Rhode Island
courtroom.
His unique style, often blending humour
with empathy, made him stand out in a profession often associated with
rigidity.
Clips of his rulings, where he frequently showed leniency to struggling
defendants, went viral around the world, earning him admiration across
cultures.
Beyond the bench, Caprio was remembered as a
devoted family man.
His family noted that “he will be remembered not only as a respected judge,
but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.”
Tributes poured in from around the world soon
after news of his passing broke.
Many recalled how his judgments had inspired acts of kindness and given hope
to those facing hardship.
His legacy, his family emphasised, will continue to live on through the
countless lives he touched.
“In his honour, may we each strive to bring a
little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day,” the
statement concluded.
