Donald Levine

LEVINE, DONALD M. died May 23, 2014, at the age of 86, after a valiant 9 year battle with cancer. Born in Elmhurst, NY, he was the son of the late Ralph and Mildred Levine. Married to his beloved wife Nan for 60 years, he was the father of Sheri Levine Singer, Marc and Carrie Levine and Neil Levine. He was the cherished grandfather of Matthew and Scott Singer, Julia Levine and Connor Levine. He was the loving brother-in-law of Martin Goldstein and devoted uncle of David and Wendy Goldstein and Steven Goldstein, great-uncle of Emily and Rachel Goldstein. Loving and dear friend of Irwin Schorr. A graduate of Syracuse University, Don proudly served in the Korean War under the command of General Douglas McArthur at the landing of Inchon. As Executive Vice President of Hasbro Toys for 17 years, Don was best known as the "Father of G.I. Joe", an accolade that followed him throughout the world for more than 50 years. Most recently the Chairman of Kenya's World, LLC, Don was considered one of the toy industry's most creative visionaries. An avid tennis competitor all his life, Don played in the Jr. Davis Cup and represented the U.S. Army in competitions throughout Asia during his military career. One of his greatest joys was his passion for tennis with rising proteges. Despite the many accomplishments in his life, what he cherished most was the love of his family and the joys he received from his grandchildren. The funeral will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at TEMPLE BETH-EL, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. Burial will follow in Sons of Israel & David Cemetery (Beth-El Cemetery). In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's memory may be sent to Temple Beth-El, Home and Hospice Care of RI/Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center or JSA/Louis & Goldie Chester Food Pantry. Shiva will be observed at his late residence, 197 Slater Avenue, Providence, Sunday 7-9, Monday and Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Arrangements by SHALOM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, Cranston.