Rhode Island businessman and philanthropist Alan Hassenfeld has died at age 76.
Hassenfeld spent 15 years as chief executive officer of Hasbro, the Pawtucket-based toymaker that was founded by his grandfather and grand-uncle. He later served as company chairman.
Author and journalist G. Wayne Miller, who has written extensively about Hasbro over the years, says Hassenfeld left behind a lasting legacy.
“He did tremendous things with Hasbro and he raised the company to new heights of profitability and generosity,” Miller said. “He put his resources and his help to causes where he thought he could make a change both for individual lives and for larger groups of people.”
Hassenfeld was a founding benefactor of Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, which opened in 1994. He also established the Hassenfeld Family Initiative, a nonprofit organization that focuses on women’s and children’s rights and safety.
“He endowed programs at Brown, programs at Brandeis, programs at Bryant, but he also gave very generously to organizations that helped children, adults, people with special needs, marginalized people,” Miller said. “He was just a good guy.
“Not a lot of wealthy people devote their time and effort and fortunes to helping other people.”
Upon learning of Hassenfeld’s death, many prominent Rhode Islanders offered reflections on his life, including State House Speaker Joe Skekarchi.
“Like his father, Merrill, Alan believed in ‘living charity.’ He was a philanthropic giant in our community, and the list of organizations and causes he helped could fill pages,” Shekarchi said in a statement. “Whether it was strengthening our economy through economic development and creating jobs, ensuring better outcomes for children by supporting educational and health initiatives, or advocating for human rights, gun safety, and social justice, Alan was unafraid to take a stand.”
“Alan’s legacy has left an indelible imprint on our community,” said Shekarchi. “He was a wonderful human being, and I will miss his humor and sage advice.”
Current Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks said Hassenfeld had an incredible impact on many people, especially children.
“Alan’s enormous heart was, and will remain, the guiding force behind Hasbro – compassionate, imaginative, and dedicated to bringing a smile to the face of every child around the world,” Cocks said. “His tireless advocacy for philanthropy, children’s welfare, and the toy industry created a legacy that will inspire us always.”
