Opinion: Judge Caprio always was a dedicated public servant

J. Clement "Bud" Cicilline is a former Rhode Island state senator.

I don’t know all the details that eventuated in the retirement of Judge Frank Caprio, but I do know the judge.

We are both from Federal Hill where the Caprio family had a well-earned reputation for helping families in the community. I moved at age 11 to Silver Lake while Frank would remain.

We would later get together when I was in my mid-20s (I am 82) and Frank had decided to run for Providence City Council against an entrenched Ward 13 councilman. Frank appointed me to be his campaign manager for two of his three highly successful runs for City Council. Frank was immensely popular because of his great ideas, high energy and fiery oratory, so reminiscent of another Federal Hill son and family friend, the late U.S. Sen. John O. Pastore.

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Over the years, Frank has served his community and the state with incredible compassion, generosity and integrity. I know that he has personally helped many, many individuals and families, never seeking recognition or expecting repayment.

As first vice president of the Newport County Branch – NAACP, I asked him to deliver the keynote speech at our annual awards dinner in 2020. His remarks were filled with the same zeal as his Federal Hill corner stop speeches. But there was the added, impassioned call for justice and equality that has been a hallmark of his personal and professional lives.

Frank has a very strong and most-deserved reputation for fairness – an even playing field for all. Witness the millions of followers around the world. He has enriched the lives of so many people by giving them hope and a pathway out of their problems.

I was personally hurt when my friend said he was hurt as he retired from his position on the Providence Municipal Court. I ask that the Providence City Council be more sensitive to how this forced retirement has affected this dedicated public servant, casting an unwarranted pall on the good character of Judge Frank Caprio.

I think that we all should be thankful that we have people like Judge Caprio who are willing to serve the public. He has my abiding admiration and appreciation for a job well done.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Judge Caprio always was a dedicated public servant | Opininion Column