Judge Frank Caprio, the beloved Rhode Island jurist famed for his compassionate and often unconventional approach to the law, died at the age of 88.

News of his passing spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the state and beyond.

For decades, Caprio presided over traffic court in Providence, but his courtroom was anything but typical.

Instead of strict adherence to legal precedent alone, he infused his proceedings with a remarkable blend of understanding, empathy, and a touch of old-fashioned wisdom.

Caprio's televised court sessions became a local phenomenon, and later a national sensation, showcasing his unique brand of justice.

He was known for his willingness to delve into the personal stories of defendants, often uncovering underlying circumstances of poverty, hardship, or illness that contributed to their infractions.

Rather than simply imposing fines, he'd frequently offer assistance, connecting individuals with community resources or even paying their fines himself.

Stories abound of him helping defendants find jobs, pay for medical bills, or even providing holiday meals to families in need.

While his methods might have seemed unorthodox to some, Caprio's approach was deeply effective.

He fostered a sense of community and understanding within the courtroom, demonstrating a belief in redemption and second chances.

His actions transcended the strict confines of the law, transforming traffic court into a platform for human connection and compassion.

He wasn't afraid to display his own vulnerabilities, sharing personal anecdotes and fostering a genuine rapport with those who appeared before him.

His legacy extends beyond the courtroom.

Caprio's impact is felt in the countless lives he touched, inspiring a renewed sense of faith in the justice system and reminding people of the importance of empathy and understanding.

He proved that justice isn't just about punishment, but also about rehabilitation and the potential for positive change.

The void left by Judge Caprio's passing is immense, but his spirit of kindness and compassion will undoubtedly continue to inspire for generations to come.

He will be remembered not only as a judge, but as a true symbol of human decency and unwavering compassion.

Judge Frank Caprio, , has died at the age of 88, his son, David Caprio, said in a social media post Wednesday. 

Caprio, a former judge for the Providence Municipal Court, died following a bout with pancreatic cancer, according to a statement .

"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," the statement reads. "His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him."

"It was the love and support he received from all of you that lifted his spirits and boosted his soul to find the strength to fight on and outlive his diagnosis by a year and a half," David Caprio .

Caprio went viral on social media for hearing cases on traffic and parking violations and arraignments for criminal offenses. It was Caprio's empathy and humor in how he handled the cases that would touch audiences on social media.

Caprio on Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island, and was the second of three sons. Before becoming a judge, Caprio shined shoes, delivered newspapers and worked on a milk truck.

He graduated from Providence College in 1958 and began teaching American government at a local high school in Providence. While teaching, he also attended night school at the Suffolk University School of Law in Boston. 

Caprio served as a Providence Municipal Court judge from 1985 to 2023.

"Caught in Providence," an Emmy-nominated TV show which ran from 2018 to 2020, highlighted Caprio's day-to-day life reviewing traffic cases and misdemeanors in Rhode Island. It skyrocketed him to fame on social media.

In December 2023, Caprio , and he decided to go public with his diagnosis to motivate others, hoping his survival would be an inspiration.

The former judge told  that his deep empathy for others stems from hardships he faced growing up in poverty in Providence without hot running water, just blocks from the courthouse now named after him.

"I'm just a small-town municipal court judge, just trying to do good. That's how I am, who tries to take into consideration the circumstances surrounding the people before me. And remember what my dad told me, when someone appears before you, put yourself in their shoes, imagine it's you before them. How do you want to be treated?" Caprio said.

"It's not a pleasant experience to go to bed at night, say your prayers. And suddenly you have one extra thing you have to ask for. And that is, please help the treatment be successful for the pancreatic cancer. And I think we're on the way," Caprio told TheNews in an interview.

Caprio is survived by his wife of almost six decades, Joyce Caprio, and his five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.