Passing of the Judge Known as the 'Compassionate Judge' After a Battle with Illness

SadaNews - The death of the famous American judge Frank Caprio, known as the "Compassionate Judge," occurred at the age of 88 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

The Caprio family issued a statement on his official "Facebook" page confirming the news of his passing, which came just hours after he posted a video asking for prayers following a deterioration in his health.

Family Statement

The statement from the "Compassionate Judge's" family said: "Judge Caprio was known for his empathy, humility, and deep belief in the goodness of humanity, and he touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond."

The statement continued: "His warm spirit, sense of humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. Caprio will be remembered not only as a respected judge but as a loving husband, and a great father and grandfather, as well as a loyal friend. His legacy will live on, along with the good deeds that inspired others; let us honor his memory by striving to spread more compassion in this world, just as he did every day."

Last Message from the Compassionate Judge

The late Judge Frank Caprio, who was celebrated for his humanity and compassionate judgments, sent an emotional message to his audience while on his hospital bed.

Caprio, affectionately called the "Compassionate Judge" by the public, shared his message in several posts on his official "Facebook" page; he said: "I want to thank from the bottom of my heart everyone who prayed for me and surrounded me with love and support. Your words and encouragement mean so much to me and my family; we are sincerely grateful, and I ask that you keep us in your prayers today."

The seasoned judge did not hide the difficulty of the phase he was going through, but he showed strong determination before his passing, stating: "As I continue this difficult battle, your prayers lift my spirit and give me the strength to persist."

Caprio indicated that his health had deteriorated in the last hours, saying: "A year ago, I asked you to pray for me, and it seems you did because I have overcome a very tough period. Unfortunately, I experienced a setback and returned to the hospital."

He concluded his final message by asking for prayers from his followers: "I ask you to remember me in your prayers once again, and I request you again, if I am not exaggerating, to keep me in your prayers. I strongly believe in the power of prayer and that God hears us, so please remember me."

After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2023, the famous American judge shared good news with his loved ones on May 24, 2025, announcing in a video on his official "Instagram" page the end of his treatment journey, saying: "On my last day of radiation treatment, I am on my way to happy days."

Frank Caprio or Francesco Caprio was an American judge and attorney born in 1936. He served as the Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court in Rhode Island, USA, since 1985, and also held the position of Chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education for 10 years.

In recent years, he gained worldwide fame after appearing on the television show "Caught in Providence," produced by his brother Joe Caprio, which was nominated for a "Daytime Emmy" award in 2021.

His popularity also increased with the spread of videos of him on social media, showcasing him in trials characterized by mercy and compassion, showing leniency towards defendants, and adding a sense of humor to his sessions. He earned the title "Compassionate Judge" for his humanitarian stances and sympathy for the weak and oppressed.

The judge, a father of five, with seven grandchildren, announced last January his retirement from the substitute judges' seats after 40 years of service during which he held the position of Chief Judge of the Municipal Court in Rhode Island and Chairman of the Board of Governors and education there as well.