EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Alan Shawn Feinstein, an educational philanthropist known for encouraging and rewarding good deeds, has died. He was 93 years old.

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of my father’s passing this weekend,” his daughter, Feinstein Foundation CEO Leila Feinstein, told 12 News in a statement. “He was surrounded by family and loved ones. We will miss him dearly but are heartened by the fact that he led a long and meaningful life.”

“Knowing that Feinstein Jr. Scholars were doing good deeds every day brought my dad tremendous joy and comfort,” she continued. “It gave him peace in his final moments knowing our work will continue even though he is no longer with us.”

An obituary posted by Sugarman Sinai Memorial Chapel announced that Feinstein passed away on Saturday.

Feinstein’s philanthropic efforts were aimed at inspiring young people to help others in need.

The Feinstein Foundation , which he started in 1991, promotes the ideas of doing good deeds and being kind to others. Participants were known as “Feinstein Junior Scholars,” a title familiar to generations of Rhode Islanders.

Many schools around Southern New England have been designated as “Feinstein Leadership Schools.” He’s also the namesake of the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development at Rhode Island College.

Feinstein received honorary doctorate degrees from several local colleges, including the University of Rhode Island, Providence College and New England Institute of Technology.

Feinstein was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and graduated from Boston University and Boston Teachers’ College. He later became a teacher at schools in Newton and Mansfield, as well as Bristol, R.I.

He was married to his wife, Pratarnporn “Pat” (Chiemwichit) Feinstein, for more than six decades, and had three children and five grandchildren.

Funeral services on Saturday, Sept. 21, limited in-person to family and friends, will be available to livestream online . His burial will be private.

Local leaders also gave their reactions to the news of Feinstein’s passing.

Gov. Dan McKee

“Alan Shawn Feinstein was more than a philanthropist. He was a change agent who invested in the lives and futures of Rhode Island’s children. We will always remember him, not just for his impact on education but for his kind and full heart.”

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos

“Alan Shawn Feinstein’s lifelong devotion to providing students with better opportunities, building strong communities, and eliminating hunger made our state a better place. He continually challenged us to do more for our neighbors, and we should all reflect on how we can carry on his philanthropic work as we celebrate his life and legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and with the many Rhode Islanders whose lives he touched through his service.”

RI House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio

“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.”

Secretary of State Gregg Amore

“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Alan Shawn Feinstein. He was a strong supporter of public education and a champion of our state’s youth, and he will be missed.”

Treasurer James Diossa

“Alan Shawn Feinstein was a champion for children, students, and our state. His philanthropic legacy will live on, and he will be remembered as always encouraging us to do good deeds. I send my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed

“Alan Shawn Feinstein was a transformational philanthropist.

“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 will be sorely missed.  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.”

Congressman Gabe Amo

“Every student in Rhode Island knows the name of Alan Shawn Feinstein. A dedicated philanthropist. A champion for education. A crusader for kindness and against hunger wherever it was found.

“Alan taught us we make the world a better place every time we put a smile on someone’s face. His generosity benefited countless young people across our state. I am sending love to the entire Feinstein family — see you later alligator.”

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley

“Alan Shawn Feinstein’s legacy of generosity, compassion and dedication to education has profoundly impacted our community. His lifelong commitment to supporting and uplifting students, families and educators has inspired countless acts of service and will continue to inspire for generations to come.”

Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green

“Alan Shawn Feinstein’s deep commitment to promoting service and bettering the lives of others through selfless action was exemplary and his legacy will be celebrated for years to come. At RIDE, we are particularly thankful for Mr. Feinstein’s belief in the immense power of education to change lives and open doors and his support for our school communities and students. By encouraging our youngest residents to pay it forward and positively impact their communities through acts of kindness and generosity, Mr. Feinstein has left a lasting impression in our state.”

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