News Summary
Max Burton Dressler, a beloved family man and sports enthusiast, passed away at 93. Known for his unwavering love for family and passion for New England sports teams, he leaves behind a strong legacy through his children and grandchildren. A funeral service will be held to honor his memory and contributions to those who knew him.
Lincoln, RI – Max Burton Dressler, a cherished family man and dedicated sports enthusiast, passed away at the age of 93 on September 4, 2025, at Atria Lincoln Place in Lincoln. His passing marks the end of a life filled with love, family, and passion for sports.
Originally hailing from Providence, RI, Dressler spent many years living in Warwick before moving to Florida two decades ago. In November 2024, he returned to Rhode Island, where he resided until his death. He was the devoted husband of the late Rona Mae (Snyder) Dressler, with whom he enjoyed a remarkable 62 years of marriage. Their enduring bond has left a lasting legacy in their family.
Max Dressler is survived by his three children: Chuck Dressler and his wife Melissa of North Kingstown, Beth Dressler of Cumberland, and Jodi Fownes and her husband Ian, also of Cumberland. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Cara Dressler, Shelby Cunningham and her husband Mike, Thomas Fownes and his wife Casey, Matthew Fownes and his girlfriend Camille, and Samantha Dressler. He was eagerly anticipating the birth of his first great-grandchild in March 2026.
Born to Hyman and Esther (Zuckerman) Dressler, Max graduated from Pawtucket West High School in 1951 before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Rhode Island in 1955. Throughout his life, he was known for his fervent support of New England sports teams and had a passion for playing tennis and golf. His love for sports was matched only by his affection for family, particularly the time he spent with his grandchildren.
Max Dressler was predeceased by five siblings and their spouses: Naomi Keller and her husband Harry, Laura Bernstein and her husband Sidney, Earl Dressler and his wife Doris, Priscilla Baker and her husband Louis, and Ileane Hamer and her husband Morton. His close-knit family was an essential part of his life, further solidifying his legacy.
A funeral service will be held in his honor on September 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel located at 458 Hope Street in Providence. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Lincoln Park Cemetery in Warwick. Family and friends wishing to pay their respects can observe Shiva at the Fownes residence in Cumberland until 8 PM following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dressler’s name to HopeHealth Hospice Care at 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904. Those wishing to extend their condolences can do so online, and a livestream of the service will be available for those unable to attend in person.
Max Burton Dressler’s life was a testament to his unwavering love for family and his enthusiasm for sports. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
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- Dignity Memorial: Michael Kay
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Go Town Crier: Al Paglia
- Google Search: Max Burton Dressler
- Tillman Funeral Home: Christopher Powell
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Max Burton Dressler
- Palm Beach Post: Obituary
- Google News: Max Burton Dressler
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
