PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Alan Hassenfeld, who became one of Rhode Island’s most prominent businessmen and philanthropists as leader of the toymaker Hasbro that his family founded, has died. He was 76.
Hassenfeld’s death was confirmed by Alfred Verrecchia, who succeeded Hassenfeld as CEO of Hasbro in 2003 and was close to him. Verrecchia said Hassenfeld died in his sleep in London.
Hassenfeld stepped down as chairman emeritus of Hasbro last year, ending his family’s direct role in leading the toy company they had founded a century ago, though he still owned 5% of the company’s shares as of earlier this year…