Alan G. Hassenfeld, former Chairman and CEO of Hasbro, Inc., and a global philanthropist, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 9, 2025, in London. He was 76.
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Alan G. Hassenfeld
Born November 16, 1948, into the founding family of Hasbro, Hassenfeld became CEO in 1989 following the untimely death of his brother, Stephen. Though initially reluctant to lead, he transformed the company into an industry powerhouse. Under his stewardship, Hasbro acquired Tonka Parker Kenner bringing iconic brands Play-Doh, Monopoly, and Nerf into its portfolio and elevating it to #169 on the Fortune 500.
Hassenfeld’s true legacy, however, lies in his profound humanitarian spirit. He championed corporate social responsibility, product safety, and he worked to eliminate the use of child labor in toy industry manufacturing. His compassion was most vividly expressed through philanthropy. He spearheaded the founding of Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence (1994), a landmark achievement funded partly by his leadership and a $2.5 million personal donation. In 2008, he established the Hassenfeld Family Initiatives, supporting countless causes focused on children, education, health, and social justice worldwide. His guiding principle was simple yet profound: "Bring sunshine where there’s darkness."
Dr. Ashish Jha of Brown University School of Public Health, home to the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Initiative noted that "He pushed us to make sure our work was relevant to the people of this state and constantly focused on impact, an extremely funny and warm person. Personally, I will miss his late night phone calls railing against the injustices of the world and ask what we were doing to make things better. His passing is a huge loss to the world.”
Hassenfeld was also a civic force. He founded "Right Now!", a successful Rhode Island ethics and campaign finance reform movement. He fostered a culture of giving at Hasbro, pioneering employee volunteer programs like "Team Hasbro" and "Global Day of Joy."
Alfred J. Verrecchia, former Hasbro chairman and CEO and a longtime friend of Hassenfeld. “He devoted himself to making the world a better place. He was happiest when he was helping people. He wasn’t afraid to put his name and reputation on the line for something he believed.”
Tributes poured in from global leaders, colleagues, and beneficiaries.
Rabbi Leslie Y. Gutterman said "He gave generously and selflessly of his time, his treasure and his love.”
The Toy Association hailed his "visionary and passionate leadership" and tireless advocacy for children.
Hasbro stated his "enormous heart" remains the company's guiding force.
Alan Hassenfeld is survived by his wife, Vivien; stepchildren Karim and Leila Azar; sister Ellen Block; nieces Susan Block Casdin and Laurie Block; nephew Michael Block; grandchildren Chloe, Talullah, Kaia, and Khalil; and grand-nephews Kinsey and Blaisdell Casdin.
Funeral services will be this Sunday, July 20, at 10:00 am at Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence, RI. Private burial to follow.
For those unable to attend services in person, you may join via livestream here.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to Hasbro Children’s Hospital – Greatest Needs Fund or The Miriam Hospital – Centennial Campaign Fund. Both can be accessed here.
An irreplaceable loss to Rhode Island, the toy industry, and the world’s children, Alan Hassenfeld’s legacy of compassion, innovation, and joyful generosity will endure.
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