Frank Caprio, a long-time Rhode Island judge known by the moniker to many as ‘America’s Nicest Judge,’ passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 88. Caprio won the hearts of countless Americans through his visible compassion toward defendants on local and later social media programming.
Though uniquely popular in Rhode Island and the American northeast coast, Caprio might best be known to the rest of the country for showing a soft spot for veterans and people who were simply down on their luck. In one particular video, Caprio goes back and forth with a veteran of the Vietnam War, expressing his ‘particular affinity’ for servicemen of that conflict because, in his words, ‘service to the country and the way they were treated when they came home.’
As the sentencing progresses, Caprio asks the man how much of a $270 fine he can afford to pay, only to hear that he’s on a ‘set income’ and would need time to complete the restitution. Upon hearing that, Caprio follows up by asking what he could pay in that moment and the Vietnam vet says just $50.
‘Sir, I’m going to charge you $25 and your $25 payment is going to be paid by one of the many people who have sent in contributions to this court to be used in my discretion, for people that I think are worthy. So I’m going to fine you $25. You don’t have to pay it. Okay, so it’s going to cost you nothing. So as far as you were concerned, the case is dismissed. We appreciate your service in Vietnam. Thank you for your service, and good luck to you.”
Take a look at the viral heartwarming moment below:
And in another famous clip, Judge Caprio shows mercy toward an elderly man who needs driving privileges in order to take care of his ‘handicapped’ son needing cancer treatments. Recognizing – indeed, praising – the familial support offered by the 96-year-old-man to his 63-year-old son, Caprio dismisses the case as the father sits with tears in the courtroom.
“You really are what America is all about. Here you are in your 90s, and you’re still taking care of your family. It’s just a wonderful thing for you. Well, how old is your son? 63, Yeah, and you still, Daddy, still taking care of him, right? Listen, sir, I wish you all the best. I wish the best for your son, and I wish you good health and your case is dismissed. Good luck to you,” the late judge tells the father in yet another hallmark tear-jerking monologue.
Take a look at that incredible moment here:
Caprio’s cancer was announced shortly after the Rhode Island judge celebrated his 87th birthday near the end of 2023. He underwent treatment for pancreatic cancer and finished that a few months later in May of 2024. For the following year, less is known about his health but his family announced a ‘setback’ in his condition on the 19th of August, followed by the announcement of his passing the next day.
Featured image: Screen shot from embedded video