Frank Caprio grew up in Providence, Rhode Island’s Federal Hill neighborhood, as the middle of three brothers. From a young age, he worked various jobs—shining shoes, delivering newspapers, and helping on a milk truck—following his parents’ philosophy of “working hard to improve the lives of those around him,” according to his website.
He graduated from Central High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Providence College. After finishing college, he remained in Providence and began teaching American Government at Hope High School.
While teaching, Caprio attended night classes at Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, which eventually inspired him to pursue a career in law.
He also served a decade as chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, overseeing the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the Community College of Rhode Island.
At Suffolk University Law, he created the Antonio “Tup” Caprio Scholarship Fund, named in honor of his father, which supports Rhode Island students dedicated to expanding access to legal services in underserved communities. He also established scholarships in his father’s name at Providence College and Central High School.
After nearly 40 years on the bench, Caprio retired from the Providence Municipal Court in January 2023. In recognition of his service, the municipal courtroom in Providence was renamed in his honor in October 2023.
Shortly after turning 87 in December 2023, he revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and completed his final radiation treatment the following May.
Caprio is survived by his wife, Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
