Obituaries
Frank Caprio, compassionate TV judge with soft spot for veterans, dies at 88
Stars and Stripes
August 21, 2025
Judge Frank Caprio, star of the nationally syndicated television show "Caught in Providence," was known for his compassionate rulings. (Caught in Providence)
Frank Caprio, a compassionate television judge with a particular fondness for the military veterans who appeared in his Rhode Island courtroom, died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer. He was 88.
“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,” said a statement announcing his death Wednesday on his Instagram account, therealfrankcaprio. “His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
Videos of Caprio’s empathetic traffic court rulings — such as dismissing a $100 ticket for a Vietnam veteran who struggled to find parking near a Veterans Affairs hospital — spread across the internet in recent years like wildfire, garnering billions of views worldwide.
That popularity led to a nationally syndicated television show called “Caught in Providence” broadcast in 186 cities across the United States.
“The smallest thing can change someone’s life,” Caprio told Stars and Stripes in 2018. “[My father’s] mantra was help people when you can. We were taught in life that it’s not enough to climb the ladder of success.” You have to lead down the ladder “so others can follow in your footsteps.”
Caprio — a first-generation American whose father immigrated from Italy at age 12 — was a veteran himself. He joined the Army Reserve in 1954 at the recommendation of his brother, who was also a soldier. Caprio, who served as a combat engineer, said the lessons he learned in basic training laid the groundwork for the judge he was to become.
“I was only 17 when I joined,” he said. “I was in basic and next thing I know I have someone yelling at me. It helped me orient my compass. There are rules, you follow them, and you respect authority.”
Caprio said his compassion for others was learned from his parents, and it especially applied to those who served their country.
“I have a particular affinity for all veterans,” he said. “But especially those who served in Vietnam. I remember how the vets were adored in World War II, and how they were scorned when they came home from ‘Nam. It’s a sad chapter in our history.”
During one speeding ticket case, a man named Elmer — who later said he served 16 months in Vietnam — walked into Caprio’s courtroom with a cane. He had been in a car accident a few days before and told the judge he didn’t see the speed-limit sign and was having a bad day because of back pain.
Caprio asked Elmer if he was a veteran after complimenting him on his bearing and demeanor. After the two reminisced about the “raw deal” Vietnam veterans faced, the ticket was dismissed, and the judge thanked him for his service.
Caprio told Stars and Stripes he wants veterans to share their stories with the world, so that others will know the meaning of sacrifice, the importance of the American dream and that one person — no matter what their background — can be successful and have an impact on society.
“I think veterans have unique experiences, especially those who have been overseas in combat,” he said. “I love listening to them. Many vets don’t like to talk. They are very modest but sharing that sense of patriotism is invaluable.”
The Instagram post said Caprio 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,” it added.