Donald M. Levine

DATELINE: Providence
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.

 

4 Comments

  1. Kirk Bozigian
    May 24, 2014

    Our family’s thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I know how much family meant to Don. He loved all of you very much. We would always begin our meetings with an update on all of you and my children as well. Don was a great friend and mentor to me. I will always appreciate the chance he gave me when I decided to “do my own thing,” as he used to say. Another expression of his I will always remember is”Fate is a hunter!” It was my fate to work so closely with my friend Don for so long. God speed!

  2. Sarah
    May 24, 2014

    Requiescat in pace, Don. Your legacy lives on in the hours, days, and years of happiness you gave to generations of children who love GI Joe. We have lost a true gentleman today.

  3. DONALD L. SMITH, JR.
    May 24, 2014

    While I did not know Mr. Levine personally, he was always in my
    heart during my childhood, as I played with GI Joes. Years later,
    I’ve become an avid adult collector of GI Joe, and still keep those
    fond memories.

    My condolences to his family and friends. . . God bless you sir, and
    thank you so much for being apart of my life through GI Joe.

    Sincerely, Donald L. Smith, Jr.

  4. Steven Charlton
    May 24, 2014

    I met Mr Levine at several GI Joe Conventions, and always made a point to thank him for his creation. I enjoyed GI Joe greatly as a child, but as an adult collector I have made numerous lifelong friendships through the hobby. Don Levine made that happen, even if he never expected or intended it back in 1964. Rest in Peace sir, and thank you once again. And I hope your loved ones remain focused on the good memories to get them through this time.

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