[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE FRANK CAPRIO

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Frank Caprio 
of Providence, Rhode Island, who will be honored at the 37th Annual 
Verrazzano Day Banquet this Saturday.
  A respected and admired Rhode Islander, Frank Caprio was born in 
Providence in 1936, the son of immigrants. His father peddled produce 
and delivered milk in the Federal Hill neighborhood, while his beloved 
mother cared for Frank, his two brothers, Antonio Jr. and Joseph, and 
dedicated herself to her Church and community.
  Frank Caprio epitomizes the American dream. From his humble 
beginnings, he is today a respected lawyer, successful businessman, and 
Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court. At Central High School 
he was an all-state wrestler who was encouraged to learn a trade, but 
he aspired to attain a college education. And he did. He worked his way 
through Providence College, earning his Bachelor of Arts. He later 
earned his education certificate from Rhode Island College.
  Frank taught American government by day and attended Suffolk Law 
School at night. Inspired by President Kennedy, he ran for Providence 
City Council in 1962 and served for eight years. He was a delegate to 
the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention in 1973, and he has been 
elected a delegate to the Democratic National Convention five times.
  Frank Caprio has practiced law for more than 30 years and has a 
remarkably diverse practice. He has served as special counsel to 
Cookson America, a fortune 500 corporation, and as legal counsel to the 
Providence Redevelopment Agency and the Rhode Island Department of 
Transportation. But perhaps Frank's most revered clients are neighbors 
and friends, many of humble means, who seek out Frank as their 
defender, advocate, and voice. They cherish his friendship and offer 
trust in return, which is a wonderful tribute to Frank and a testament 
to the way he has led his life.
  Through initiative, hard work and tireless energy, Frank has attained 
much success in business. He is a principal owner of the Coast Guard 
House, a historic waterfront restaurant in Narragansett and another 
popular restaurant, Casey's, in Wakefield. In addition to his success 
as a restaurateur, Frank is a principal owner of Cherry Hill Housing in 
Johnston.
  Despite all of his success in law, government, and business, Frank 
has always understood the importance of community and public service. 
He serves on the board of Federal Hill House and as a volunteer at 
Nickerson House. He is a fellow of the Rhode Island Community Food 
Bank, and is a member of both the Bishop's Council and the State Board 
of Governors for Higher Education.
  In honor of his own father, he established the Antonio ``Tup'' Caprio 
Scholarship at Suffolk University, and is the 1997-1998 Chairman of the 
Providence College Alumni Fund. He holds an Honorary Doctor of Law 
Degree from Suffolk and has been recognized by countless organizations 
for his spirit of community and his humanitarian efforts.
  Mr. President, I am pleased today to salute Frank Caprio on receiving 
the prestigious Annual Verrazzano Day award, and I extend best wishes 
to Frank, his wife, Joyce, and their wonderful family on this momentous 
occasion.




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