Judge Frank Caprio, affectionately dubbed the “Nicest Judge in the World,” passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at the age of 88, following a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.As per a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the former Providence, Rhode Island, judge “passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.”Frank Caprio wasn’t just another judge. For nearly 40 years, he served on the Providence Municipal Court in Rhode Island, winning hearts with his folksy humour, empathy, and genuinely compassionate rulings.His courtroom felt like a safe zone, where minor offenses—like a forgotten turn signal or a red-light violation—were met with understanding, kindness, and an extra dose of humanity.What really cemented Frank’s legendary status was Caught in Providence, the daytime show that captured these heartfelt moments on camera. Running between 2018 and 2020, it earned multiple Emmy nods and went viral. Clips from the show racked up over a billion views on social media, and the judge himself became a beloved online star If you needed a feel-good moment, there was always a Caprio clip for that. Picture this: a 96-year-old man caring for his handicapped son facing a traffic citation—Judge Caprio dismisses it on the spot, praising him for his devotion and calling him “what America is all about”. Or another where he cuts a bartender some slack because he was earning peanuts—then cheekily reminds everyone not to “eat and run,” because “the poor people working hard all day for three bucks an hour are going to have to pay your bill”.
His fight with pancreatic cancer
Judge Frank Caprio’s battle with pancreatic cancer was as public as it was courageous. He revealed his diagnosis in December 2023, asking fans worldwide to keep him in their prayers. Through heartfelt videos, he shared updates on his radiation treatments, hospital stays, and occasional setbacks, always with gratitude and hope. Even in pain, his warmth and humor never faded.Pancreatic cancer — you’ve probably heard the term, but it’s one of those illnesses that doesn’t always get as much attention as others, like breast or prostate cancer. Sadly, it’s also one of the toughest cancers out there.The pancreas is this little organ tucked behind your stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. When cancer shows up there, it’s sneaky. Most people don’t notice early symptoms, and by the time it’s caught, it’s often in the later stages. That’s why doctors sometimes call it a “silent” cancer.Common signs? They can be vague—stuff like stomach or back pain, sudden weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), fatigue, or changes in appetite. Because these overlap with so many everyday health issues, it’s tricky to connect the dots without medical tests.If you’re wondering about prevention, there’s no magic shield, but lifestyle plays a role. Smoking, heavy drinking, obesity, and family history all increase risk. On the flip side, eating a balanced diet, staying active, and keeping a healthy weight can lower your chances.One important takeaway? Awareness matters. The more people know about pancreatic cancer, the more likely it is that someone recognizes the signs and pushes for testing early. It’s a tough battle, but with more research funding and public awareness in North America and beyond, there’s hope for better outcomes in the future.
