“I lost a piece of my heart and my favorite Cowboy, but Heaven gained an angel.”
Judge Frank Caprio has built a reputation for himself as the “nicest judge in the world” after many videos from inside his courtroom went viral of various social media platforms.
Caprio became a well known face on social media thanks to the videos showing him dishing out fair verdicts to the people standing before him.
With more than 1.5 million followers on TikTok alone, when Caprio wasn’t sharing videos of his day job, he would post comical videos of himself reacting to viral videos as if he was judging them himself.
@therealfrankcaprio Is dancing time, can you do better ? #fyp #funny #judgefrankcaprio ♬ original sound - Judge Frank Caprio
In 2023, Caprio went public with his cancer diagnosis, asking his many followers for their prayers as he began his battle.
Caprio was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His death was confirmed by his family in a statement shared with WJAR. He was 88.
On Tuesday, Aug. 19, less than 24 hours before news of his death was made public, Caprio took to TikTok to share his final video with his audience.
@therealfrankcaprio As I continue this difficult battle, your prayers will lift my spirit. #judgefrankcaprio #neverforget #kindness #love
♬ original sound - Judge Frank Caprio
“Last year, I asked you to pray for me, and it's very obvious that you did, because I came through a very difficult period,” Caprio said from his hospital bed.
“Unfortunately, I've had a setback. I'm back in the hospital now. And I'm coming to you again, asking you to remember me in your prayers once more. So I ask you again, if it's not too much that you can remember me in your prayers. I'm a great believer in the power of prayers. I think the All Mighty above is looking over, looking over us. So remember me. Please.”
On Aug. 20, a statement was shared with his 3 million Instagram followers.
“Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer,” the statement began. “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. 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,” the statement continued.
“In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.”
