Frank Caprio

Caprio was born in the Italian-American neighborhood of Federal Hill, Providence, the second of the three sons of Antonio Caprio, an immigrant from Teano, Italy, and Filomena Caprio, an Italian American mother from Providence whose family had immigrated from Naples, Italy. His father worked as a fruit peddler and milkman.{{cite web|url=http://www.independentri.com/independents/ind/south_kingstown/article_323b88b3-6c27-565c-a513-fe72f66e47aa.html|title=Caprio: Leave the ladder down, so others may follow|date=May 19, 2016|publisher=independentri.com|access-date=May 19, 2019|archive-date=August 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123157/http://www.independentri.com/independents/ind/south_kingstown/article_323b88b3-6c27-565c-a513-fe72f66e47aa.html|url-status=live}}

Caprio attended the Providence public schools while working as a dishwasher and shoe-shiner. He graduated from Central High School, where he won the state title in wrestling in 1953.{{cite web|url=https://news.providence.edu/providence-is-home-court-for-tv-judge-frank-caprio-58-08hon|title=Providence is home court for TV Judge Frank Caprio '58 & '08Hon.|publisher=news.providence.edu|date=May 8, 2019|access-date=May 19, 2019|archive-date=August 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123206/https://news.providence.edu/providence-is-home-court-for-tv-judge-frank-caprio-58-08hon|url-status=live}} He earned a bachelor's degree from Providence College in 1958.{{USCongRec|1998|S5244}} After graduating, he began teaching American government at Hope High School in Providence. While teaching at Hope, Caprio attended night school at the Suffolk University School of Law in Boston. This led to him joining the legal profession.{{cite web |title=The civics lesson and the last chance for a pan handler: Judge Caprio trying a school teacher |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fy719Nr3V8 |website=You tube (Caught in Providence Channel) |publisher=You Tube / Caught in Providence |access-date=29 November 2018 |archive-date=17 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217032520/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fy719Nr3V8 |url-status=live }} Caprio also served in the Rhode Island Army National Guard from 1954 to 1962 in the 876th Combat Engineer Battalion. During his time in the Army National Guard, Caprio was assigned to Camp Varnum in Narragansett and Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcYSi_yHirc&t=4m5s "A Family of Veterans, Hurricane High Gravity, and Help Yourself"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129152306/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcYSi_yHirc&t=4m5s |date=2021-01-29 }}. Youtube.com. November 15, 2018.Bolinger, James. [https://www.stripes.com/news/compassionate-rulings-make-judge-with-soft-spot-for-veterans-an-internet-sensation-1.555699 "Compassionate rulings make judge with soft spot for veterans an internet sensation"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812010514/https://www.stripes.com/news/compassionate-rulings-make-judge-with-soft-spot-for-veterans-an-internet-sensation-1.555699 |date=2020-08-12 }}. Stars and Stripes. November 8, 2018.

Caprio was elected to the Providence City Council in 1962 and served until 1968. He ran for Attorney General of Rhode Island in 1970, but lost the general election to Republican Richard J. Israel, with Israel receiving 56.7% of the vote and Caprio 43.3%.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=744202 |title=Our Campaigns - RI Attorney General Race - Nov 03, 1970 |access-date=2023-08-04 |archive-date=2023-08-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804024752/https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=744202 |url-status=live }} He was elected as a delegate to the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention in 1975 and has been elected as a delegate to five Democratic National Conventions. He chaired the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, which controls major decisions for the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and Community College of Rhode Island. Since 1985, he has served as a Providence Municipal Court Judge. Caprio is also a partner in the Coast Guard House Restaurant in Narragansett, Rhode Island. He released his book Frank Caprio Compassion in the Court on February 4, 2025.{{cite web |date= |title=Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America's Nicest Judge by Frank Caprio, Hardcover |url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/compassion-in-the-court-frank-caprio/1145682706 |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=Barnes and Noble |publisher=}}

Parts of the proceedings over which he presided, featuring low-level citations, ran for more than two decades on local television.{{Cite news|url=http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180926/caught-in-providence-is-now-courting-national-audience|title='Caught in Providence' is now courting a national audience|last=Amaral|first=Brian|work=providencejournal.com|access-date=2018-09-27|language=en|archive-date=2019-08-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123213/https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180926/caught-in-providence-is-now-courting-national-audience|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Saved by the car clock |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxPgia7-QRg |website=YouTube | date=February 7, 2017 |publisher=Caught in Providence |access-date=27 November 2018 |archive-date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123545/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxPgia7-QRg |url-status=live }} Caprio's TV series, Caught in Providence, originated on PEG access television in Rhode Island and was first picked up by ABC station WLNE-TV in 2000, initially airing late on Saturday nights.{{cite news|last1=Forliti|first1=Amy|title=Providence crime suspects star in courtroom TV show|url=http://napavalleyregister.com/lifestyles/providence-crime-suspects-star-in-courtroom-tv-show/article_3552612f-7802-5c78-a3d6-b3f76c96edf1.html|access-date=December 12, 2017|work=Napa Valley Register|agency=Associated Press|date=July 17, 2002|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213084427/http://napavalleyregister.com/lifestyles/providence-crime-suspects-star-in-courtroom-tv-show/article_3552612f-7802-5c78-a3d6-b3f76c96edf1.html|url-status=live}} After a hiatus, Caught in Providence returned in 2015 and aired after the 11 o'clock newscasts on Saturdays until September 2017.{{cite web|title=Caught in Providence Back on ABC 6|url=http://www.newenglandone.com/news/local/providence/caught-in-providence-back-on-abc-6.html|website=New England One|access-date=December 12, 2017|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213084120/http://www.newenglandone.com/news/local/providence/caught-in-providence-back-on-abc-6.html|url-status=dead}} Clips from this show went viral in the 2010s.{{cite web|title=Caught in Providence video goes viral on YouTube|url=http://www.abc6.com/story/34461914/caught-in-providence-goes-viral-on-youtube|website=abc6.com|publisher=WLNE-TV / ABC6|access-date=December 12, 2017|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213084200/http://www.abc6.com/story/34461914/caught-in-providence-goes-viral-on-youtube|url-status=live}} The program has also received coverage from media organizations around the world, such as NBC News.{{cite web|last1=Dahlgren|first1=Kristen|title=Viral Judge Frank Caprio Rules With a Big Heart|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/viral-judge-frank-caprio-rules-with-a-big-heart-1090765891978|website=NBC News|publisher=NBCUniversal Media, LLC|access-date=December 12, 2017|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213090025/https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/viral-judge-frank-caprio-rules-with-a-big-heart-1090765891978|url-status=live}} On September 24, 2018, Caught in Providence went into national syndication.{{cite web |title=An honest boy |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClhuRYjci-g |website=YouTube | date=July 14, 2017 |publisher=Caught in Providence |access-date=27 November 2018 |archive-date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123601/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClhuRYjci-g |url-status=live }} The show was renewed for a second season of syndication in January 2019.{{cite web |last1=Albiniak |first1=Paige |title='Caught in Providence' Cleared to Return for Season Two |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/caught-in-providence-cleared-to-return-for-season-2 |website=NextTV |access-date=25 June 2020 |date=10 January 2019 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627183929/https://www.nexttv.com/news/caught-in-providence-cleared-to-return-for-season-2 |url-status=live }} Caught in Providence is produced by Caprio's brother Joe Caprio, who has stated that the show will cease filming with Caprio's retirement.{{cite web |url=https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/01/13/judge-caprio-of-caught-in-providence-retires-from-cheif-justice-role/69806874007/ |title=Judge Caprio retiring as chief justice fate of Caught in Providence show unclear |date=2023-01-13 |website=The Providence Journal |access-date=2024-01-22 |archive-date=2023-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216100839/https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/01/13/judge-caprio-of-caught-in-providence-retires-from-cheif-justice-role/69806874007/ |url-status=live }} Fifty episodes are consolidated into a single season and made available on Prime Video.{{Cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Caught-In-Providence/dp/B09QFGWC7C |title=Watch Caught in Providence | Prime Video |website=Amazon |access-date=2024-01-22 |archive-date=2024-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205090240/https://www.amazon.com/Caught-In-Providence/dp/B09QFGWC7C |url-status=live }}

At Suffolk University School of Law, Caprio founded the Antonio "Tup" Caprio Scholarship Fund. This scholarship, named after Caprio's father, who had only a fifth-grade education, is for Rhode Island students committed to improving access to legal services in Rhode Island urban core neighborhoods. He has also established scholarships at Providence College, Suffolk Law School, and for graduates of Central High School, named in honor of his father.{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/who-judge-frank-caprio-top-7-videos-that-made-him-internet-sensation-736811|title=Who is judge Frank Caprio? Top 7 videos that made him an internet sensation|date=1 August 2017|work=International Business Times, India Edition|access-date=19 May 2019|archive-date=6 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123157/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/who-judge-frank-caprio-top-7-videos-that-made-him-internet-sensation-736811|url-status=live}}

Caprio has been involved in the Boys Town of Italy, the Nickerson House Juvenile Court and Rhode Island Food Bank. In 1983 he co-chaired the Rhode Island Statue of Liberty Foundation (raising funds for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island). Caprio was also a member of the Board of Regents of Elementary and Secondary education and the Governor's Pre-K thru 16 Council on education.{{cite news |title=Task Force Will Boost Numbers Completing Degrees |url=http://www.ribghe.org/winter06.pdf |access-date=19 May 2019 |work=Highlights |issue=1 |publisher=Rhode Island Office of Higher Education |date=Winter 2006 |archive-date=17 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417105139/http://www.ribghe.org/winter06.pdf |url-status=live }} He is a member of the President's Council at Providence College.

File:Judge Frank Caprio at the 2021 Bristol Fourth of July Parade.jpg]]

Caprio was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law by his alma mater Suffolk University Law School in 1991 and Providence College in 2008,{{cite web|url=http://www.independentri.com/independents/ind/south_kingstown/article_323b88b3-6c27-565c-a513-fe72f66e47aa.html|title=Caprio: Leave the ladder down, so others may follow|work=The Independent|date=May 19, 2016 |access-date=19 May 2019|archive-date=6 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123157/http://www.independentri.com/independents/ind/south_kingstown/article_323b88b3-6c27-565c-a513-fe72f66e47aa.html|url-status=live}} and also received an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of Rhode Island in 2016.{{cite news |title=Commencement 2016: University of Rhode Island to present 5 honorary doctorates this year |url=https://today.uri.edu/news/commencement-2016-university-of-rhode-island-to-present-5-honorary-doctorates-this-year/ |access-date=27 October 2018 |agency=URI Today |publisher=University of Rhode Island |date=2 May 2016 |archive-date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123154/https://today.uri.edu/news/commencement-2016-university-of-rhode-island-to-present-5-honorary-doctorates-this-year/ |url-status=live }} In August 2018, he received the Producer's Circle Award at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.{{cite web|url=https://www.golocalprov.com/live/live-caprios-caught-in-providence-comes-to-national-network|title=LIVE: Caprio's "Caught in Providence" Begins National Distribution|work=GoLocalProv|access-date=19 May 2019|archive-date=15 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915111618/http://www.golocalprov.com/live/live-caprios-caught-in-providence-comes-to-national-network|url-status=live}}

Following Caprio's retirement, the Providence City Council passed legislation to rename his old municipal courtroom 'The Chief Judge Frank Caprio Courtroom'. The dedication ceremony took place on October 20, 2023.{{cite web |url=https://turnto10.com/news/local/providence-courtroom-to-be-renamed-in-honor-of-form-chief-judge-frank-caprio-municipal-courtroom-nearly-40-years-service-oct-20-2023|title=Providence courtroom renamed in honor of former Chief Judge Frank Caprio|last=Bang|first=Amanda|date=20 October 2023|publisher=WJAR-TV |access-date=21 June 2024}} Earlier that month he was sworn in as Chief Judge Emeritus of the Providence Municipal Court, although the title was largely ceremonial and Caprio stated that he had no intention of returning to the bench.{{cite web |url=https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/10/11/frank-caprio-judge-in-caught-in-providence-is-retired-what-he-does-now/71077116007/|title=Frank Caprio, judge in 'Caught in Providence' is retired. What he does now.|last=Russo|first=Amy|date=11 October 2023|publisher=The Providence Journal|access-date=21 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014110805/https://eu.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/10/11/frank-caprio-judge-in-caught-in-providence-is-retired-what-he-does-now/71077116007/|archive-date=14 October 2023|url-access=subscription}}

Caprio has been married to Joyce E. Caprio for 60 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.rimonthly.com/judge-frank-caprio/|title=Judge Frank Caprio Wants Justice for All|date=20 February 2019|access-date=19 May 2019|archive-date=6 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123200/https://www.rimonthly.com/judge-frank-caprio/|url-status=live}} They have five children: Frank T. Caprio, David Caprio, Marissa Caprio Pesce, John Caprio, and Paul Caprio. They have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. An avid Boston Red Sox fan, Caprio threw the ceremonial first pitch on July 25, 2019, at Fenway Park, when the Red Sox played the New York Yankees.{{cite web|url=https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20190723/judge-caprio-to-throw-out-first-pitch-at-yankees-red-sox-game-on-thursday|title=Judge Caprio to throw out first pitch at Yankees-Red Sox game on Thursday|publisher=providencejournal.com|date=July 23, 2019|access-date=May 31, 2020|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116132645/https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20190723/judge-caprio-to-throw-out-first-pitch-at-yankees-red-sox-game-on-thursday|url-status=live}}

After having recently celebrated his 87th birthday, on December 6, 2023, Caprio announced that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on a video posted on Facebook and YouTube. He advised those who wish to support him to keep him in their prayers, and praised his doctors for taking good care of him.{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/12/06/metro/ri-judge-caprio-announces-he-has-pancreatic-cancer/#:~:text=Caprio%20said%20he%20has%20been,Farber%20Cancer%20Institute%20in%20Boston.|title=Judge Caprio announces he has pancreatic cancer|publisher=bostonglobe.com|date=December 6, 2023|access-date=December 6, 2023|archive-date=December 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206162110/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/12/06/metro/ri-judge-caprio-announces-he-has-pancreatic-cancer/#:~:text=Caprio%20said%20he%20has%20been,Farber%20Cancer%20Institute%20in%20Boston.|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIvx7I3U6HE|title=Judge Caprio announces he has pancreatic cancer in a YouTube video|publisher=Judge Caprio YouTube channel|date=December 6, 2023|access-date=December 28, 2023|archive-date=December 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228053846/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIvx7I3U6HE|url-status=live}} He finished his cancer treatment on May 24, 2024.{{Cite news |title=Judge Frank Caprio rings the bell as he finishes radiation treatment |url=https://turnto10.com/news/local/judge-frank-caprio-rings-bell-as-he-finishes-radiation-treatment-cancer-pancreatic-miami-cancer-institute-baptist-health-social-caught-providence-may-24-2024/ |access-date=19 June 2024 |work=WJAR}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.caughtinprovidence.com/ Caught in Providence]
• [http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/this-black-caped-hero-isn-t-batman-us-judge-a-hit-for-his-compassionate-verdicts/story-oc9n77WNg6nLoBugWLL0cK.html This black caped hero isn’t Batman] at Hindustan Times, 2017

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{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Anthony J. Brosco}}

{{s-ttl|title={{nowrap|Democratic nominee for Attorney General of Rhode Island}}|years=1970}}

{{s-aft|after=Dominic F. Cresto}}

{{s-end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Caprio, Frank}}

Category:Living people

Category:1936 births

Category:Rhode Island state court judges

Category:Military personnel from Providence, Rhode Island

Category:Providence City Council members

Category:Suffolk University Law School alumni

Category:Providence College alumni

Category:Rhode Island Democrats

Category:Rhode Island National Guard personnel

Category:American people of Italian descent

Category:Federal Hill, Providence, Rhode Island

Category:20th-century Roman Catholics

Category:21st-century Roman Catholics