Merrill L. Hassenfeld, a leading member in American Jewish organizations and one at the persons instrumental in restructuring the Jewish Agency died here yesterday of a heart attack at the age of 61. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at Temple Emanu-El, of which he was a Board member and member of the executive committee.
Hassenfeld, a native of Providence, was an honorary chairman of the United Jewish Appeal and a life trustee of the UJA. He was a director of the Committee for the Economic Growth of Israel and served on the executive committee of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. He was a former president of the Jewish federation of Rhode Island and was a member of the Rhode Island Area Committee of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith. He was one of the founders of the Jewish Community Center.
In addition, Hassenfeld was a member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Jewish Federations, a founder of Brandeis University and a Fellow of the university since 1963, a supporter of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, and a member of the Board of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency since 1970. In his business activities, he was vice chairman and chief executive office of the Pawtucket (R.I.) based Hasbro Industries, Inc.
Marvin S. Holland, president of the Federation, said: “I was shocked to leam of the sudden passing of Mr. Hassenfeld. Merrill was a close personal friend and was not only generous as a contributor to charitable causes but was always available with advice and guidance.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
