Frank Caprio Explained

Frank Caprio
Birth Date:24 November 1936
Birth Place:Federal Hill, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
Birth Name:Francesco Caprio
Office1:Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence
Appointed1:Joseph R. Paolino Jr.
Termstart1:1985
Termend1:January 2023
Successor1:John Lombardi[1]
Party:Democratic[2]
Education:Providence College (BA)
Suffolk University (JD)
Spouse:Joyce E. Caprio
Children:5, including Frank and David
Unit:Rhode Island Army National Guard
Branch:United States Army
Serviceyears:1954–1962
Office2:Member of the Providence City Council
Termstart2:1962
Termend2:1968

Francesco Caprio (born November 24, 1936) is an American judge and politician who served as the chief judge of the municipal court of Providence, Rhode Island, and chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education. His judicial work is televised on the program Caught in Providence.[3] [4] He has also made appearances in the series Parking Wars, adjudicating several cases of traffic violations.

In 2017, his videos in the courtroom went viral, with more than 15 million views.[5] [6] In 2022, views of Caught in Providence neared 500 million,[7] and one video shared on Pulptastic had 43.6 million views on YouTube.[8]

Early life and education

Caprio was born in the Italian American neighborhood of Federal Hill, Providence, the second of the three sons of Antonio Caprio, an immigrant from Teano, Italy, and Filomena Caprio, an Italian American mother from Providence whose family had immigrated from Naples, Italy. His father worked as a fruit peddler and milkman.[9]

Caprio attended the Providence public schools while working as a dishwasher and shoe-shiner. He graduated from Central High School, where he won the state title in wrestling in 1953.[10] He earned a bachelor's degree from Providence College. After graduating, he began teaching American government at Hope High School in Providence. While teaching at Hope, Caprio attended night school at the Suffolk University School of Law in Boston. This led to him joining the legal profession.[11] Caprio also served in the National Guard from 1954 to 1962 in the 876th Combat Engineer Battalion. During his time in the National Guard, he was stationed at Camp Varnum in Narragansett and Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania.[12] [13]

Career

Caprio was elected to the Providence City Council in 1962 and served until 1968. He ran for Attorney General of Rhode Island in 1970, but lost the general election to Republican Richard J. Israel.[14] He was elected as a delegate to the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention in 1975 and has been elected as a delegate to five Democratic National Conventions. He chaired the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, which controls major decisions for the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and Community College of Rhode Island. Since 1985, he has served as a Providence Municipal Court Judge.[4] Caprio is also a partner in the Coast Guard House Restaurant in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

Caprio retired in January 2023.[15]

He will release his book Frank Caprio Compassion in the Court on February 4, 2025.[16]

Caught in Providence

Parts of the proceedings over which he presided, featuring low-level citations, ran for more than two decades on local television.[17] [18] Caprio's TV series, Caught in Providence, originated on PEG access television in Rhode Island and was first picked up by ABC station WLNE-TV in 2000, initially airing late on Saturday nights.[19] After a hiatus, Caught in Providence returned in 2015 and aired after the 11 o'clock newscasts on Saturdays until September 2017.[20] Clips from this show went viral in the 2010s.[21] The program has also received coverage from media organizations around the world, such as NBC News.[22] On September 24, 2018, Caught in Providence went into national syndication.[23] The show was renewed for a second season of syndication in January 2019.[24] Caught in Providence is produced by Caprio's brother Joe Caprio, who has stated that the show will cease filming with Caprio's retirement. [25] Fifty episodes are consolidated into a single season and made available on Prime Video. [26]

Community outreach

At Suffolk University School of Law, Caprio founded the Antonio "Tup" Caprio Scholarship Fund. This scholarship, named after Caprio's father, who had only a fifth-grade education, is for Rhode Island students committed to improving access to legal services in Rhode Island urban core neighborhoods. He has also established scholarships at Providence College, Suffolk Law School, and for graduates of Central High School, named in honor of his father.[27]

Caprio has been involved in the Boys Town of Italy, the Nickerson House Juvenile Court and Rhode Island Food Bank. In 1983 he co-chaired the Rhode Island Statue of Liberty Foundation (raising funds for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island). Caprio was also a member of the Board of Regents of Elementary and Secondary education and the Governor's Pre-K thru 16 Council on education.[28] He is a member of the President's Council at Providence College.[10]

Awards and honors

Caprio was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law by his alma mater Suffolk University Law School in 1991 and Providence College in 2008,[29] and also received an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of Rhode Island in 2016.[30] In August 2018, he received the Producer's Circle Award at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.[31]

Following Caprio's retirement the Providence City Council passed legislation to rename his old municipal courtroom the Chief Judge Frank Caprio Courtroom. The dedication ceremony took place on October 20, 2023.[32] Earlier that month he was sworn in as Chief Judge Emeritus of the Providence Municipal Court, although the title was largely ceremonial and Caprio stated that he had no intention of returning to the bench.[33]

Personal life

Caprio has been married to Joyce E. Caprio for over 50 years.[34] They have five children: Frank T. Caprio, David Caprio, Marissa Caprio Pesce, John Caprio, and Paul Caprio.[34] They have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.[34] An avid Boston Red Sox fan, Caprio threw the ceremonial first pitch on July 25, 2019, at Fenway Park, when the Red Sox played the New York Yankees.[35]

After having recently celebrated his 87th birthday, on December 6, 2023, Caprio announced that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on a video posted on Facebook and YouTube. He advised those who wish to support him to keep him in their prayers, and praised his doctors for taking good care of him.[36] [37] He finished his cancer treatment on May 24, 2024.[38]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2023-01-20 . History made as Providence City Council elects municipal court judges . 2023-12-20 . WPRI.com . en-US . 2023-12-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231220210005/https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/history-made-as-providence-city-council-elects-municipal-court-judges/ . live .
  2. Web site: H 9114 . State of Rhode Island in General Assembly . 2021-04-09 . 2019-08-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190825172355/http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText98/HouseText98/H9114.htm . live .
  3. Web site: People having tough days . Caught in Providence You Tube Channel . March 15, 2017 . Caught in Providence . 27 November 2018 . 6 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123702/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqK80Neavq8&feature=youtu.be . live .
  4. Web site: Caught in Providence . Official website . 29 November 2018 . 9 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190809134151/https://www.caughtinprovidence.com/ . live .
  5. News: 80-year-old judge becomes unlikely internet star . 26 November 2018 . . 23 August 2017 . 11 May 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190511224727/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/frank-caprio-80-year-old-judge-becomes-internet-star-providence/ . live .
  6. News: Viral Judge Frank Caprio Rules With A Big Heart . 27 November 2018 . . 7 November 2017 . 27 July 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190727135032/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2jwXB6lriw&gl=US&hl=en&has_verified=1&bpctr=9999999999 . live .
  7. Web site: Caught in Providence - YouTube . . 2019-06-02 . 2019-08-10 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190810191053/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59KhIPOR0Jj653dC4laEJw/about . live .
  8. Archived from the original on 3 January 2023.
  9. Web site: Caprio: Leave the ladder down, so others may follow. May 19, 2016. independentri.com. May 19, 2019. August 6, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123157/http://www.independentri.com/independents/ind/south_kingstown/article_323b88b3-6c27-565c-a513-fe72f66e47aa.html. live.
  10. Web site: Providence is home court for TV Judge Frank Caprio '58 & '08Hon.. news.providence.edu. May 8, 2019. May 19, 2019. August 6, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123206/https://news.providence.edu/providence-is-home-court-for-tv-judge-frank-caprio-58-08hon. live.
  11. Web site: The civics lesson and the last chance for a pan handler: Judge Caprio trying a school teacher . You tube (Caught in Providence Channel) . You Tube / Caught in Providence . 29 November 2018 . 17 December 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191217032520/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fy719Nr3V8 . live .
  12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcYSi_yHirc&t=4m5s "A Family of Veterans, Hurricane High Gravity, and Help Yourself"
  13. Bolinger, James. "Compassionate rulings make judge with soft spot for veterans an internet sensation" . Stars and Stripes. November 8, 2018.
  14. Web site: Our Campaigns - RI Attorney General Race - Nov 03, 1970 . 2023-08-04 . 2023-08-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230804024752/https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=744202 . live .
  15. Web site: Gavigan . Parker . Providence City Council Statement . Providence City Council . 9 March 2023 . 13 January 2023 . 9 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230309153819/https://council.providenceri.gov/2023/01/13/joint-statement-from-council-president-rachel-miller-and-chief-judge-of-the-municipal-court-frank-caprio-on-his-retirement/ . live .
  16. Web site: Judge Frank Caprio announces he will be releasing a book. turntk10.com. June 10, 2024.
  17. News: 'Caught in Providence' is now courting a national audience. Amaral. Brian. providencejournal.com. 2018-09-27. en. 2019-08-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123213/https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180926/caught-in-providence-is-now-courting-national-audience. live.
  18. Web site: Saved by the car clock . YouTube . February 7, 2017 . Caught in Providence . 27 November 2018 . 6 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123545/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxPgia7-QRg . live .
  19. News: Forliti. Amy. Providence crime suspects star in courtroom TV show. December 12, 2017. Napa Valley Register. Associated Press. July 17, 2002. December 13, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171213084427/http://napavalleyregister.com/lifestyles/providence-crime-suspects-star-in-courtroom-tv-show/article_3552612f-7802-5c78-a3d6-b3f76c96edf1.html. live.
  20. Web site: Caught in Providence Back on ABC 6. New England One. December 12, 2017. December 13, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171213084120/http://www.newenglandone.com/news/local/providence/caught-in-providence-back-on-abc-6.html. dead.
  21. Web site: Caught in Providence video goes viral on YouTube. abc6.com. WLNE-TV / ABC6. December 12, 2017. December 13, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171213084200/http://www.abc6.com/story/34461914/caught-in-providence-goes-viral-on-youtube. live.
  22. Web site: Dahlgren. Kristen. Viral Judge Frank Caprio Rules With a Big Heart. NBC News. NBCUniversal Media, LLC. December 12, 2017. December 13, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171213090025/https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/viral-judge-frank-caprio-rules-with-a-big-heart-1090765891978. live.
  23. Web site: An honest boy . YouTube . July 14, 2017 . Caught in Providence . 27 November 2018 . 6 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123601/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClhuRYjci-g . live .
  24. Web site: Albiniak . Paige . 'Caught in Providence' Cleared to Return for Season Two . NextTV . 25 June 2020 . 10 January 2019 . 27 June 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200627183929/https://www.nexttv.com/news/caught-in-providence-cleared-to-return-for-season-2 . live .
  25. Web site: Judge Caprio retiring as chief justice fate of Caught in Providence show unclear . 2023-01-13 . The Providence Journal . 2024-01-22 . 2023-12-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231216100839/https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/01/13/judge-caprio-of-caught-in-providence-retires-from-cheif-justice-role/69806874007/ . live .
  26. Web site: Watch Caught in Providence | Prime Video . Amazon . 2024-01-22 . 2024-02-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240205090240/https://www.amazon.com/Caught-In-Providence/dp/B09QFGWC7C . live .
  27. Web site: Who is judge Frank Caprio? Top 7 videos that made him an internet sensation. 1 August 2017. International Business Times, India Edition. 19 May 2019. 6 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123157/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/who-judge-frank-caprio-top-7-videos-that-made-him-internet-sensation-736811. live.
  28. News: Task Force Will Boost Numbers Completing Degrees . 19 May 2019 . Highlights . 1 . Rhode Island Office of Higher Education . Winter 2006 . 17 April 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120417105139/http://www.ribghe.org/winter06.pdf . live .
  29. Web site: Caprio: Leave the ladder down, so others may follow. The Independent. May 19, 2016 . 19 May 2019. 6 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123157/http://www.independentri.com/independents/ind/south_kingstown/article_323b88b3-6c27-565c-a513-fe72f66e47aa.html. live.
  30. News: Commencement 2016: University of Rhode Island to present 5 honorary doctorates this year . 27 October 2018 . URI Today . . 2 May 2016 . 6 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123154/https://today.uri.edu/news/commencement-2016-university-of-rhode-island-to-present-5-honorary-doctorates-this-year/ . live .
  31. Web site: LIVE: Caprio's "Caught in Providence" Begins National Distribution. GoLocalProv. 19 May 2019. 15 September 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180915111618/http://www.golocalprov.com/live/live-caprios-caught-in-providence-comes-to-national-network. live.
  32. Web site: Providence courtroom renamed in honor of former Chief Judge Frank Caprio. Bang. Amanda. 20 October 2023. . 21 June 2024.
  33. Web site: Frank Caprio, judge in 'Caught in Providence' is retired. What he does now.. Russo. Amy. 11 October 2023. The Providence Journal. 21 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20231014110805/https://eu.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/10/11/frank-caprio-judge-in-caught-in-providence-is-retired-what-he-does-now/71077116007/. 14 October 2023. subscription.
  34. Web site: Judge Frank Caprio Wants Justice for All. 20 February 2019. 19 May 2019. 6 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190806123200/https://www.rimonthly.com/judge-frank-caprio/. live.
  35. Web site: Judge Caprio to throw out first pitch at Yankees-Red Sox game on Thursday. providencejournal.com. July 23, 2019. May 31, 2020. November 16, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201116132645/https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20190723/judge-caprio-to-throw-out-first-pitch-at-yankees-red-sox-game-on-thursday. live.
  36. Web site: Judge Caprio announces he has pancreatic cancer. bostonglobe.com. December 6, 2023. December 6, 2023. December 6, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231206162110/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/12/06/metro/ri-judge-caprio-announces-he-has-pancreatic-cancer/#:~:text=Caprio%20said%20he%20has%20been,Farber%20Cancer%20Institute%20in%20Boston.. live.
  37. Web site: Judge Caprio announces he has pancreatic cancer in a YouTube video. Judge Caprio YouTube channel. December 6, 2023. December 28, 2023. December 28, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231228053846/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIvx7I3U6HE. live.
  38. News: Judge Frank Caprio rings the bell as he finishes radiation treatment . 19 June 2024 . WJAR.

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