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Donald Levine
1928 - 2014
Donald Levine
1928 - 2014
Obituary
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BORN
1928
DIED
2014
Donald Levine Obituary
He died of cancer early Thursday at Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island, his wife, Nan, said. They were just about to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
Levine shepherded the toy through design and development as Hasbro's head of research and development. He and his team came up with an 11.5-inch (29.2-centimeter) articulated figure with 21 moving parts, and since the company's employees included many military veterans, it was decided to outfit the toy in the uniforms of the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force, with such accessories as guns, helmets and vehicles.
Levine, who served in the Army in Korea, said he got the idea for the moveable figure as a way to honor veterans.
G.I. Joe hit the shelves in time for the 1964 Christmas shopping season and soon became a big seller at $4 apiece.
"Don Levine and his team took it from a good concept to a great concept," said Alan Hassenfeld, Hasbro's former CEO whose father, Merrill, oversaw G.I. Joe's development when he ran the company.
G.I. Joe remained popular until the late 1960s, as opposition to the Vietnam War intensified and parents shied away from military-related toys. Hasbro countered in 1970 by introducing "Adventure Team" G.I. Joes that played down the military connection. Into the '70s, G.I. Joes featured "lifelike hair" and "kung-fu grip" and were outfitted with scuba gear to save the oceans and explorer's clothing for discovering mummies.
Hasbro said in a statement that Levine's "influence on the toy industry was profound" as his team developed the concept of an action figure.
"His work forever changed the way kids play with toys, and in particular helped birth the G.I. Joe brand which has been a part of the American fabric for 50 years," the company said.
Over the decades, G.I. Joe has spawned comic books, cartoons, two movies starring Channing Tatum, and a G.I. Joe Collector's Club and its annual convention — GIJoeCon — held in Dallas in April.
Levine's funeral will be held Sunday morning at Temple Beth-El in Providence. He is survived by his wife, three children and four grandchildren.
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Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
38 Entries
Paul Buhler
March 12, 2018
ETERNAL THANKS DON for making my childhood an amazing adventure world! I saw your GI joe documentary and could understand how much of a wonderful person you always were. Thanks again from Australia...Paul Buhler
Jon Lipson
January 1, 2015
Neil, So sorry to learn of your father's passing. I was Googling Camp Takajo bunkmates today and found your father's obit. His greatest contribution to children, GI Joe, was a stable of my childhood - we received a whole footlocker of dolls, uniforms, and manuals from my older cousins. I hope you and Marc are well (my brother Dave was in Marc's bunk). Living in CO and, coincidently, just a few miles from Morty Goldman's daughter and her family.
June 17, 2014
Mrs. Levine: We were so sorry to hear about Mr. Levine's passing. You and your family will always be in my and Cleveland's thoughts and prayers. the two of you were/are important to us.
Anderson and Cleveland kurtz
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greg nokes
June 2, 2014
I had two GI Joe figures as a child and I had many make-believe adventures with them. Your dedication to develope and bring the GI Joe action figure line to market is greatly appreciated by me and many other people. May your loved ones be comforted now and always in your passing. My best wishes to your family always. Here's to you Mr. Levine in the GI Joe Lingo: Yo Joe!
May 31, 2014
May God be with the family during this difficult time.
L. Cline
May 31, 2014
you made my childhood a special adventure as im sure millions of other kids as well
May 31, 2014
Soon death will be no more
Glen W.
May 31, 2014
I am saddened to hear of the passing of my one-time San Diego neighbor, Mr. Don Levine. It was the '70's and Mr. Levine was perpetually upbeat whenever I'd see him. Everything was always, "Wonderful, wonderful," with my friendly neighbor. Good memories of, "The Toy Guy," who lived next door.
Brenda
May 30, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Levine's death. I am thankful to him for demonstrating the formula for success to the world. Developing an idea, supplementing it with dedication and hard work is a fine example of something good for many to emulate. I hope that the Levine family has embraced the glorious good news that our happy God will make all mourning ones happy by bringing an end to sickness and death. (1 Timothy 1:11). May you find the needed comfort in the scriptures during this difficult time.
May 29, 2014
And no resident will say: “I am sick…”Isa 33:24. We can be sure of this reality because God has promised as seen from his divine words about the near future; perhaps you or I may see those missing from our lives due to sickness or tragic injury that lead to death. Prayers go out to the surviving family and friends.
Yvonne Chin
May 29, 2014
" The Don Levine " May you be blessed, happy and peaceful. My deepest condolences to the family, so sad to know about the lost, he was a unique and a fine gentleman. I was so blessed to have met him and to have worked with him.
With kindest regards,
Yvonne
Hands Family
May 28, 2014
To the Levine Family
May Gods loyal love comfort you
during this most difficult time.
Psalms 119:76
Fred Marzocchi
May 28, 2014
Dear Neil and Family - we were sorry to hear about your father passing. He was a great guy and GI Joe will miss him. From all of us at Silver Fox Studios
SHORTY KOPPELMAN
May 28, 2014
you were loved by all the glorious Koppelman Girls
michelle plakas-kaiser
May 28, 2014
rip
Jane Dowling
May 28, 2014
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
May 28, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
RR
May 28, 2014
I my sorry to hear of your great loss. Pray to the God of all comfort and throw all your anxieties on him.
May 28, 2014
With deepest condolences. We are never prepared for such a deep loss so I hope you find some comfort in the memories & joys you had and know sickness, pain and death that we deal with now will one day be no more for this has been promised to us.
May 28, 2014
MAY THE PEACE OF GOD THAT EXCEL ALL THOUGHT BE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME.PHP.4:7..SO SORRY FOR YOUR GRIEF...NC
Lisa
May 28, 2014
My sincere condolences to the entire family. May the God who gives peace be with you all in this time of sorrow.
May 27, 2014
So very sorry for Donald's family and friends, May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you and may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and make you strong (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
May 27, 2014
I'm so sorry you had to experience such a tragedy, my condolences to the families and may you have a measure of peace
April
May 27, 2014
Please accept my sympathy for your loss. May all be comforted by the wonderful hope of seeing our dead love ones again.
Scott Chamberland
May 27, 2014
Rest in Peace
May 27, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and extend heartfelt condolences. May you be comforted and find peace by drawing closer to each other and in God because he cares for you.
Carl Rosen
May 27, 2014
Nan - There was always a place in the hearts of the kids on Woodbine Street for Don, his smile and his blue Mustang! I still remember the day you moved in next door. Wishing you and the family comfort in fond memories.....Carl Rosen
May 24, 2014
Marco, peace be with you & your family. May your Pop rest in peace. Stevo & Kate
Christina
May 24, 2014
Neil,
Thinking of you!
May 24, 2014
Dear Nan,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will have fond memories of the years we shared at Temple Beth-El.
Irving and Sheila Troob
May 24, 2014
Sherri,
Thinking of you!
Risy Berry Goldberg
Maryellen Meehan
May 24, 2014
Sherri,
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Howard Flamer
May 24, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Arthur Richter
May 24, 2014
Dear Nan,
I am away and just learned about Don.
My thoughts are with you and the family.
Fondly,
Arthur
Karen Finklestein
May 24, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
selma stanzler
May 24, 2014
my thought are with you
RAY MUCCCI
May 24, 2014
To the Levine family so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr.Levine what a great man in many ways he will be missed by all who came in contact with him.always a firm hand shake when I ran into him and very cordial.My deepest .sympathy to the family and friends
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