Mr. Stanzler, a lawyer educated at Boston University, first proposed establishing a professional theatre in Providence, RI, in 1962. Two years later, the theatre opened for business, with Adrian Hall hired to be its first artistic director. It remains the state's most prominent nonprofit theatre. Mr. Stanzler served as Chairman of the Board for the theater's first 12 years.
Mr. Stanzler also wrote the book "Providence Is No Longer Just A Train Stop: The Trinity Repertory Company—Its First Twelve Years." In 2005, he was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. He also helped found the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union in 1959.
Mr. Stanzler is survived by his wife Selma (Schmuger-Klitzner), his children Jonathan Stanzler and Jill Stanzler-Katz, and his step children Stephanie Penzell and David Penzell.
