Frank Caprio owed everything to his wife of 60 years

Judge Frank Caprio, known as “the nicest judge in the world,” has died at 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Famous for his compassion on Caught in Providence, Caprio’s greatest source of strength was his wife of 60 years, Joyce. Raised in Providence’s Federal Hill,

he grew up the son of an Italian immigrant milkman who never refused struggling families — a lesson that shaped Frank’s belief in compassionate justice. He worked as a dishwasher and shoe-shiner while studying law at night, later balancing teaching and legal work before becoming a judge. Though hesitant about TV, Joyce encouraged him to embrace Caught in Providence, which went on to inspire millions worldwide. Despite fame, Frank remained devoted to family, raising five children with Joyce. In his final reflections, he credited her with his greatest gift — their family — and described their six decades together as “nothing short of amazing.” Caprio leaves behind a legacy of kindness, fairness, and faith in the good within people