Rhode Island Officials Offer Condolences on Death of Frank Caprio - Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff
GoLocalProv
Rhode Island Officials Offer Condolences on Death of Frank Caprio - Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff
The following are some of the comments by officials:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Mayor Brett P. Smiley: Judge Frank Caprio served his community with unwavering kindness and compassion, and I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Beloved for his fairness and dedication to public service, Caprio was a pillar of Providence and his acts of empathy have made him a treasured icon across the nation and the globe. On behalf of every member of our community, I offer my sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Judge Caprio’s lifelong legacy of kindness has touched our entire community and will continue to inspire millions of people across the world.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Ryan Strik: We are incredibly saddened to hear of Judge Caprio’s passing, and we join countless others in sending our deepest condolences to his loved ones at this difficult time. Throughout his professional career, Judge Caprio exemplified compassion and showed that justice can be reached without sacrificing warmth and humanity. As he went through his cancer treatment, Judge Caprio continued to serve as a beacon of optimism and hope for countless Rhode Islanders who followed his journey, many of whom have been touched by cancer themselves. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of kindness will outlast him for years to come. In his memory and in recognition of the projected 27,500 Rhode Islanders who will die from cancer this year, ACS CAN will continue to strongly advocate for public policies that reduce deaths and suffering from this disease and move us closer to a world without cancer.”
Governor Dan McKee: Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure. On a personal level, he was a friend who faced his illness with bravery, and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way, and people could not help but respond to his warmth and compassion. He was more than a jurist—he was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity.
Whether you grew up watching Judge Caprio on television or first saw his kindness touch lives around the world on social media, there is no question that his legacy will leave a lasting mark across generations.
Speaker Joe Shekarchi: I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary Judge Frank Caprio, who was known everywhere for his compassion and good humor on the bench and was beloved by Rhode Islanders and worldwide fans of his show, Caught in Providence. Judge Caprio utilized his position for the greater good and helped countless individuals who appeared before him to turn their lives around. His community involvement and charitable endeavors extended far beyond his role in the court; he generously gave of his time and resources to so many worthy causes. His 88 years of service to Providence and the entire state have made Rhode Island a much better place. I extend my condolences to his wonderful family: his wife Joyce and their five children: former General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio, former State Representative David Caprio, John, Paul and Marissa.
Senate President Valarie J. Lawson, Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III, and Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian: “Judge Caprio embodied the spirit of Rhode Island and its people. He truly saw the humanity in everyone, and his compassion inspired countless acts of kindness across the world. The entire Senate family mourns the passing of Judge Caprio and extends its heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.”
Council President Rachel Miller: My colleagues and I mourn the loss of Judge Frank Caprio, a man whose life reflected this city at its very best. Raised in Federal Hill, the lessons of his family and his neighborhood guided his every decision, bringing fairness and understanding to the courtroom and earning respect from well beyond Providence’s boundaries. For nearly four decades as Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court, he approached each case with a spirit of mercy that made justice feel human. He believed deeply in the power of education, creating scholarships that honored his own journey and gave Rhode Island students the chance to shape not only their own lives, but the future of their city. Through his work in the courtroom and his dedication to public service, he set a standard for those who follow, showing that leadership is found in how we treat the people we serve. His example will guide our city for generations. On behalf of the City Council, and as the councilor representing Judge Caprio’s dear Federal Hill, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. This city will never forget him.
McKee has also directed Rhode Island flags at all state agencies and buildings to be flown at half-staff in Judge Caprio's memory. The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment. The Governor asks Rhode Islanders to lower their flags as a sign of respect.