Alan Shawn Feinstein, who urged thousands of students to do good deeds and rewarded them for doing so and whose name is on so many schools throughout the state, died Saturday at the age of 93. He lived in a modest home in the Edgewood section of Cranston. 

A Feinstein visit to a school was a big event. The kids knew him and when he arrived in a school auditorium he was greeted with excited cheers.

Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio released a joint statement: “Mr. Feinstein was a Rhode Island treasure and his philanthropy and generosity will live on for generations. Thousands of students throughout the state accepted his challenge to perform good deeds and focus on their educational future. He was a great source of inspiration to Rhode Islanders of all ages and he will be truly missed.” 

He frequently wore a gold jacket to such gatherings where he talked about the impact of good deeds and how one person can change things for the better. Feinstein lived by what he preached, donating millions of dollars through the foundation he established to Alan Shawn Feinstein schools and scholars as well as to fighting world hunger.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my constituent and friend, Alan Shawn Feinstein, whose love and generosity impacted the lives of generations of Rhode Islanders,” said state Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston). “I met him in 1976 when I opened my first ice cream shop, Joe’s Dairy Shop in Cranston, and we developed a friendship over the years as his children grew. He was always warm and down-to-earth, encouraging children and adults alike to do good deeds, and challenging us all to make the world a better place. Students, schools, and all of Rhode Island are a little bit better because he lived here. His loss will be profoundly felt and I will personally miss him.”

U.S. Senator Jack Reed’s office referred to Feinstein as “a champion for education.”

“Alan Shawn Feinstein was a transformational philanthropist,” Reed said. “He uplifted countless students through the Feinstein Foundation and Feinstein Junior Scholar program, helping to feed millions around the world through initiatives with leading universities across our region, and serving as a fixture of our communities for decades. Above all, Alan urged us all to be kind and compassionate toward one another. He knew that good deeds reverberate throughout our neighborhoods and that every one of us can make a difference.”

Alan Shawn Feinstein was such a public figure that we’re asking readers to share their stories and thoughts about him. Email us, leave a note on our Facebook page or write us a letter to the editor (at rorys@rhodybeat.com).

“Alan will be sorely missed,” Reed said. “His memory will live on through the countless lives he touched and improved.  His dedicated and thoughtful approach to making the world a better place will continue to inspire us. My thoughts are with the entire Feinstein family.”