Frank Caprio, the former Chief Judge of Providence Municipal Court whose compassion and wit turned him into a viral star, has died at 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

His son, Frank T. Caprio, shared the news on Facebook on Wednesday, August 20, through a family statement that read:

“Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

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“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, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

“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 honour, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.”

Caprio began serving on the Providence Municipal Court bench in 1985 and remained in that role for nearly four decades. His courtroom presence later gained worldwide recognition through the reality series Caught in Providence, where he became widely admired for blending empathy and humor while presiding over traffic cases.

The show, which lasted more than 20 years, drew international audiences, was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2021, and gained further popularity through viral videos on platforms like TikTok.

Caprio officially retired in January 2023, and later that year the city paid tribute by naming its municipal courtroom after him. In December 2023, he revealed his cancer diagnosis, and by May 2024 he had completed his final radiation treatment.

Beyond his long legal career, Caprio was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Akwa Ibom Police Rescue 20 Trafficked Ghanaians

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued 20 Ghanaians, comprising 10 males and 10 females, who were reportedly trafficked into the state.

DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, revealed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the victims were recovered from a compound in Obio Etoi village, Uyo Local Government Area, following a formal complaint from the Ghana Police Service and INTERPOL.