Funeral mass for Judge Frank Caprio, “the nicest judge in the world,” to be live streamed

A deceased local judge who was known around the world for his compassion on the bench will have services that, thanks to his family, will be shared with those that he touched far and wide.

According to an obituary, Judge Frank Caprio of Providence and Narragansett, a beloved humanitarian and global internet sensation, passed away on August 20th, surrounded by his devoted wife Joyce, family, and close friends.

In 1985, Mayor Joseph Paolino Jr. nominated Frank to become a judge on the Providence Municipal Court, where he presided for 38 years. His courtroom achieved worldwide recognition through the four-time Emmy-nominated TV series Caught in Providence, an idea conceived by his wife Joyce and brother Joseph. They started filming sessions in 1992, initially broadcasting on Rhode Island public access cable and ABC6 until 2016, after which it gained national syndication across more than 200 stations. Judge Caprio’s genuine empathy and kindness earned him the nickname “the nicest judge in the world,” attracting over 26 million followers on social media and exceeding 10 billion video views.

At 88 years old in February 2025, he released his bestselling memoir, Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America’s Nicest Judge. His promotional tour across the country featured packed book signings and high-profile media spots. Additionally, he became a popular speaker at global legal and humanitarian gatherings, with recent appearances in Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and India, where he received the Mother Teresa Award for Social Justice.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Nardolillo Funeral Home. Visiting hours will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Thursday, August 28, from 3pm – 7pm, with parking provided in the North Garage. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 29, at 10:00am at The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence, RI.

The Mass will be live streamed on Caprio’s official YouTube and Facebook for those around the world who are not able to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support the Filomena Fund, c/o The Rhode Island Foundation, One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903 or online at www.RIFoundation.org/filomenafund.