Why Judge Frank Caprio was named 'nicest judge in the world' as he dies aged 88
Judges are often depicted as harsh rulers; a tough presence ready to lay down the law no matter what it might do to the person on the receiving end - but not Judge Frank Caprio.
Following his death at the age of 88, Caprio is being remembered as the 'nicest judge in the world', and I think you'll agree the title is pretty well deserved once you hear how he responded to some of the people who arrived in his court.
Caprio's death was confirmed in a statement released on August 20, which announced that he had passed away 'following a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer'.
"Beloved around the world for his deep compassion, humility, and unwavering faith in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched millions through his work in the courtroom, and even more through his example of humanity," the statement continued.
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The statement went on: "His warmth, humor, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him or hearing his words.
"He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he uplifted and the kindness he inspired."
Caprio gained fans across the globe through his work at a court in Providence, Rhode Island, some of which was documented on the TV show Caught In Providence.
There were a number of cases in which Caprio demonstrated his kindness as a judge, but one in particular took place when he came face-to-face with a resident called Daniel Murray, who came before the judge to face a $250 fine over 'seven violations', including five 'parking tickets'.
Murray explained to Caprio he was 'in a bit of a financial situation' and asked if he could 'defer' his fines, saying: "I have 92 cents in my account. I just walked from East Providence this morning to get over here."
Check out Caprio's response below:
Upon learning of Murray's determination to get to the court, Caprio responded by using his fund, the Philomena Fund, to give Murray $25 so he didn't have to walk home.
He then went one step further, telling Murray: "We're gonna help you out with these fines. We're going to use this fund to pay for your fine, so you're gonna be all set."
Blown away by Caprio's response to the case, Murray said: "Wow, thank you so much. That's more than generous."
The judge's actions are just one example of his kind spirit, and in the wake of his death his fans have been remembering him in comments shared on his Instagram page.
One wrote: "He was so very important to all the people he touched with his words and his deeds. He talked the talk and walked the walk of spreading kindness."
Emily Brown