Stephen D. Hassenfeld
Stephen D. Hassenfeld | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 19, 1942 |
| Died | June 25, 1989 (aged 47) |
| Title | CEO President |
| Board member of | Hasbro |
Stephen David Hassenfeld (January 19, 1942 – June 25, 1989) was an American businessman best known for being the
History and early life
Stephen was born in Rhode Island to Sylvia Grace (née Kay) and Merrill Hassenfeld. He was the oldest of three siblings, the others being his sister Ellie and the youngest child, Alan. They lived in Providence's east side. He attended Moses Brown School where he was well known as a skilled debater.
Accomplishments
Stephen's grandfather, Henry Hassenfeld, was a Jewish immigrant from Poland who, with his brother Helal, founded a textile company that sold remnants called Hassenfeld Brothers. The brothers would move on to sell pencil boxes, school supplies, and later, toys. After the success of
In 1980, Stephen's father Merrill died, and Stephen took over control of Hasbro. From 1980 to 1986, Stephen Hassenfeld increased Hasbro's profitability by 85% annually. Only two
In 1983, Hassenfeld established the Hasbro Charitable Trust, and in 1984, he created Hasbro Children's Foundation. The two charities help to improve the lives of children and their families throughout the world by providing management of grant donations in operating areas, product donation, matching gifts to higher education, special community projects, and volunteering. Also, in 1990, the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders was created. The Children's Center is affiliated with NYU Langone Health, and under its current director, Dr. Elizabeth Raetz has been making remarkable strides in alleviating the worst of children's suffering.
Legacy
Stephen D. Hassenfeld died of
Awards and honors
- Honorary doctorate degrees from Rhode Island College, Bryant College, Providence College and Roger Williams College
- Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, 1987[2]
- Toy Industry Hall of Fame, 1991
- National Humanitarian Award of the Rhode Island Council of the National Jewish Hospital
- Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Rhode Island Big Brothers Association
- International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association Hall of Fame, 2010