'Nicest judge in the world' Frank Caprio's heartwarming final message before death aged 88

Frank Caprio, the man regarded as the 'nicest judge in the world', left a heartwarming message to the world shortly before his death yesterday.

The Rhode Island native passed away at the age of 88 following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, having touched the lives of millions thanks to his empathetic stance as a judge, which saw him go viral on several occasions.

He also fronted the TV show Caught in Providence, where real people would enter the Providence Municipal Court in Rhode Island to learn their fate, as he made the decisions on cases involving traffic, parking, and arraignments for criminal offences.

His empathy on the stand quickly earned him the title of 'nicest judge in the world', while he was also nominated for two Emmy Awards thanks to his amusing and kind-hearted persona on the popular TV show.

It was confirmed in December 2023 that the father-of-five was suffering from pancreatic cancer, and a statement made by his son Frank T. Caprio yesterday (20 August) shared the tragic news that he had succumbed to the illness.

A statement shared to his Instagram page announcing his death stated: "Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

"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, who is survived by his wife of six decades, Joyce, his five children - Frank, David, Marissa, John and Paul - seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, confirmed only the day before his death that he had been hospitalised again due to his cancer.

After confirming the news on his Instagram page, the viral judge asked for the prayers of his fans, writing: "As I continue this difficult battle, your prayers will lift my spirit."

Speaking in the video clip, he said: "Last year I asked you to pray for me, and it's very obvious that you did, because I came through a very difficult period.

"Unfortunately, I've had a setback, I'm back in the hospital. Now, I'm coming to you again and asking you to remember me in your prayers once more."

Tributes have been flooding in for Caprio since his death was confirmed to his nearly four million followers on Instagram.

Debmar-Mercur, the company behind Caught in Providence, said in a statement: “Judge Caprio’s unique brand of compassion and common sense approach to justice caught the attention of daytime TV and social media audiences, making Caught in Providence a fan favorite.

"We will miss him dearly, and our hearts go out to the Caprio family.”