Why was Frank Caprio dubbed "America’s Nicest Judge"? Everything to know about his wife, children and grandchildren 

Frank Caprio, a retired judge from Rhode Island, breathed his last on Wednesday, August 20, following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 88 years old at the time of his death. His landmark judgments were documented and televised in the courtroom reality show Caught in Providence. Caprio's compassionate verdicts earned him the nickname of "America's Nicest Judge."

Frank Caprio served as the Chief Judge of Rhode Island's Municipal Court of Providence and also as Chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education. Additionally, he made appearances in Parking Wars, serving as the judge in several cases of traffic violations.

Caprio's death was confirmed by his official Instagram account via a statement on Wednesday. It stated that the beloved judge had "peacefully" passed away after his fight with pancreatic cancer and also shed light on his humanity, and "unwavering belief in the goodness of people."

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

Statement from Frank Caprio's Instagram account (image via Instagram/therealfrankcaprio)

It continued:

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

Plans for his memorial service have not been disclosed at the time of writing. The beloved judge was survived by his wife, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

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Everything to know about Frank Caprio's family

Frank Caprio (image via Instagram/therealfrankcaprio)

Born in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents in Providence’s Federal Hill neighbourhood, Caprio was the second of three sons. His father was a milkman and a fruit peddler.

Per Times Now News, the Italian-American judge had a difficult childhood. He worked several odd jobs, including shining shoes, delivering newspapers, and working in a milk truck. Thereafter, he went on to earn a law degree from Suffolk University.

Caprio married Joyce E. Caprio in 1965, and the two remained together for over 60 years till his demise. The couple welcomed five children: Frank T. Caprio, David Caprio, Marissa Caprio Pesce, John Caprio, and Paul Caprio.

They went on to have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Despite being one of the most beloved judges on social media, Caprio led a low-key and private life, and therefore, not much is known about his family life.

His eldest son, Frank T. Caprio, boasts a two-decade-long political career and has served as the 29th General Treasurer of Rhode Island (2007-2011). Presently, he is the Managing Director at Chatham Capital, a financial firm in Atlanta and Providence. David Caprio, meanwhile, served as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003.

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Frank Caprio also started several scholarships in his father's name at his high school, Providence College, and at Suffolk Law School to help the financially constrained students.