Former Hasbro CEO Alan Hassenfeld dies at 76 years old

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Former Hasbro CEO Alan Hassenfeld has died at the age of 76.

He was the grandson of Henry Hassenfeld, one of Hasbro’s founders, and led the toy giant himself, first as president, then later as CEO.

Hassenfeld also helped found Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

He left the company in 2003 to focus on charity work.

Multiple Rhode Island officials have responded to his passing.

Governor Dan McKee said Hassenfeld was a “pillar of the Rhode Island community,” and lived a life of generosity.

Speaker Joseph Shekarchi spoke on Hassenfeld’s work as CEO, adding that he preserved hundreds of jobs in Rhode Island and employed generations of Rhode Islanders, as well as supported education and health initiatives for children.

McKee’s full statement can be read below:

“Alan Hassenfeld was a pillar of the Rhode Island community, known not just for his visionary leadership at Hasbro but for a life defined by generosity. Through his deep commitment to philanthropy, Alan championed causes that improved the lives of so many children and families across our state. His legacy will live on for generations to come.”

“Our hearts are with the Hassenfeld family during this difficult time.”

Shekarchi’s full statement can be read below:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Alan Hassenfeld. 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. 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.

“Hasbro, founded by the Hassenfeld family, is one of the largest companies in Rhode Island history and an international leader that has employed generations of Rhode Islanders. In the 1990s, Alan boldly thwarted a takeover of Hasbro to preserve hundreds of good-paying jobs here in the Ocean State. Hasbro has employed generations of Rhode Islanders, and its signature product, Mr. Potato Head, is a Rhode Island icon. Alan was also a founding benefactor of Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, which transformed advanced care and treatment options for seriously ill children in Rhode Island and grew into a world-renowned pediatric healthcare facility.

Alan’s legacy has left an indelible imprint on our community. He was a wonderful human being, and I will miss his humor and sage advice. I offer my sincerest condolences to Alan’s entire family. May his memory be a blessing.”

UPDATE: Hassenfeld’s family released a statement on his passing on Friday, which can be read below:

The family of Alan Hassenfeld is grateful for the incredible outpouring of love and support from the Rhode Island community and from Alan’s friends and colleagues around the world. Alan passed peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday night. As we mourn his sudden loss, we are comforted by his memory and the enduring impact he has had on the global community.

In addition to the extensive network of friends and “extended family” he has left behind, Alan is survived by his wife Vivien, his step-children, Karim and Leila Azar; his sister Ellen Block, nieces Susan Block Casdin and Laurie Block, and nephew Michael Block; grandchildren, Chloe, Talulah, Kaia and Khalil, and grand-nephews, Kinsey and Blaisdell Casdin.

Details of funeral arrangements will be shared when available.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Hasbro Children’s and The Miriam Hospital.