Jerrold L. Lavine

Jerrold L. Lavine, age 85, a devoted husband and father, civic leader, and entrepreneur whose work touched Rhode Island’s public, business, and nonprofit communities—passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Providence, he remained a lifelong Rhode Islander.

Educated at Boston University, Jerry built a distinguished career as a serial entrepreneur, leading and operating several distribution companies, most notably Globe Distribution formerly one of the nation’s largest auto parts and accessories distributors, and later serving as Chairman & CEO of The Freeman Group, Ltd. His steady leadership, professional instincts, and mentorship shaped careers across the region’s business community.

Answering a call to public service, Jerry served as Director of Administration to Governor Bruce Sundlun, helping steer Rhode Island through a period of change. He also chaired the Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Corporation, bringing a pragmatic, business-minded approach to state operations.

Jerry poured equal energy into civic life. At Roger Williams University, he served for many years on the Board of Trustees—including as treasurer and co-chair of the presidential search committee—and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business Management in 2009. The University recognized the Lavine family’s generosity with the naming of the Lavine Family Lobby at the Gabelli School of Business. Jerry also received the University’s initial President’s Medallion of Honor for a lifetime of devotion to Roger Williams.

Deeply committed to Jewish community life, Jerry was a pillar of Temple Emanu-El in Providence, serving as Endowment Chair Emeritus and supporting countless congregational initiatives with his wife Barbara. He also supported regional healthcare as a Life Governor of The Miriam Hospital Foundation (part of the Lifespan system).

Above all, Jerry cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife and life partner of 64 years, Barbara (Showstack) Lavine; and their four children: Jeffrey and his wife Jennifer, Jonathan and his wife Jeannie, Marc and his wife Lori, and Elisa Buchsbaum and her husband Gordon. His greatest joy was time he and Barbara spent with their nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who knew Jerry for his stories, humor, and unwavering encouragement.

Jerry’s life—rooted in Providence and Rhode Island—was defined by service, creativity, and a generous spirit. He leaves a legacy of institutions strengthened, communities enriched, and a family bound by his example.

His Funeral Service will be held Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00 am at Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Avenue, Providence, RI with burial to follow at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon, MA.

The family will be sitting Shiva at the following locations: At Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Avenue, Providence Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm with Minyan at 5:45 pm. The home of Jonathan and Jeannie Lavine, Lexington, MA the evening of Monday, September 29 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The home of Jeffrey and Jennifer Lavine, Scarsdale, NY on Monday, September 29 and Tuesday, September 30 from 1:00-4:00 pm and 6:00 pm-8:30 pm, with evening services on Monday and Tuesday at 7:45 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to, the Lavine Torah Tutor Fund at Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 and the Lavine Scholarship Fund at Roger Williams University, Office of the President, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809.