Alan Shawn Feinstein, the Rhode Island philanthropist whose commitment to education and social service inspired generations of young people to “do good deeds,” died Saturday. He was 93.
Known for his tireless commitment to charitable causes, Feinstein founded the Cranston-based Feinstein Foundation in 1991, which became a pillar of philanthropy in southern New England. The foundation’s core mission – encouraging children to be kind and help those in need – resonated with educators and students, and more than 600,000 young people have received Feinstein Junior Scholars honors through the foundation’s leadership program.
Feinstein’s impact on education in Rhode Island extended beyond the classroom. Many schools in the region have been recognized as “Feinstein Leadership Schools,” fostering a culture of service. Rhode Island College honored his legacy by naming its School of Education and Human Development after him – a testament to his profound influence on the state’s academic landscape.
“Alan believed in the power of community involvement and the idea that even small acts of kindness can change lives,” said a representative of the foundation. “He dedicated his life to teaching children the importance of helping others.”
Feinstein’s philanthropy began after teaching in schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Feinstein was a graduate of Boston University and Boston Teachers’ College. His journey from the classroom to philanthropy was fueled by his deep concern for world hunger, which led him to work with Brown University’s World Hunger Program in the 1980s. His retirement from teaching marked the beginning of a new chapter in which he dedicated himself to fighting hunger and promoting kindness.
Feinstein’s work has earned him numerous awards over the years, including honorary doctorates from several Rhode Island universities, awards for outstanding service from institutions such as the American Red Cross and Brown University, and he was named Rhode Island Citizen of the Year by the March of Dimes.
Feinstein was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by two of his three children, Ari and Richard Feinstein. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dr. Pratarnporn “Pat” Feinstein, his daughter, Leila Feinstein, and five grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 21, in the historic chapel at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence. Burial will be private.
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