PROVIDENCE, R.I. — This year, graduates of Providence College were privileged to hear from “America’s Nicest Judge,” former Rhode Island judge Frank Caprio, who delivered the commencement address.
At 88 years old, Caprio is a proud alumnus of the college, having received his bachelor’s degree in 1958 and an Honorary Doctorate of Law in 2008. He became widely known for his appearance on the TV show “Caught in Providence,” which highlighted his empathy and humor during his time as chief judge in Providence’s Municipal Court.
Last year, Caprio underwent radiation treatment for pancreatic cancer after being diagnosed in December 2023.
Over the years, PC has welcomed a range of distinguished commencement speakers, such as Central Falls native and award-winning actress Viola Davis, and former “Cheers” star and frequent Disney Pixar voice actor John Ratzenberger.
Born on November 24, 1936, in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence, Caprio is the son of Italian immigrants. His father, Antonio Caprio, was a fruit peddler and milkman who emphasized the importance of education and public service.
Caprio graduated from Providence’s Central High School and earned his undergraduate degree from Providence College. He later attended Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts, where he received his law degree while teaching high school full-time to support himself.
In 1985, Caprio was appointed Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court, a role he held for nearly four decades. He gained national and international recognition for his televised court sessions on the show Caught in Providence, where his warm, humanistic style often led to unexpected moments of kindness and understanding, especially toward people facing traffic violations and minor offenses.
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