Stanley H. Feldberg, a Brandeis trustee from 1972 to 1993 and founder T.J. Maxx and several other discount stores, died April 24 of prostate cancer in Charleston, S.C. He was 79.Mr. Feldberg leaves behind a legacy of strong business acumen and a keen sense of philanthropy. A native of Cambridge, Mr. Feldberg was raised in nearby Brookline and lived the last 20 years in Hilton Head, S.C.

University President Jehuda Reinharz said Mr. Feldberg was one of the best ambassadors of Brandeis. The Feldberg family's relationship with the University began at Brandeis' founding in 1948, when Stanley's father Max and uncle Morris, Russian-born garment merchants, donated approximately $100,000 to the then-fledgling school.

Mr. Feldberg's studies at Dartmouth College were interrupted by a stint with the Army Air Force during World War II, but he returned and completed his education in 1949. A Dartmouth spokesperson said Mr. Feldberg was involved with the Tuck School of Business.

He married Theodora Lehrer in 1947. Nancy Weiner of Mashpee, Mass. was Mr. Feldberg's executive assistant for 42 years, most of which were spent while he was leading the Zayre chain of discount stores. She said he was a "special" man who placed great emphasis on his philanthropic work.

"He was a gentle giant...beloved by all who knew him," Weiner said.

The first Zayre stores were built in 1956 with the assets of Stanley and other members of the Feldberg family. According to The Boston Globe, Zayre gradually expanded westward to Chicago and as far south as Florida. The family later founded the T.J. Maxx and BJ's discount chains. In 1989, Zayre was sold to the now-bankrupt Ames Department Stores.

In his work as a Brandeis trustee, Mr. Feldberg led the University's first capital campaign in the late-1980s. That campaign, according to Reinharz, raised approximately $200 million. He also served terms as secretary and vice chair of the board of trustees.

Stephen B. Kay, chairman of the board of trustees, called Mr. Feldberg, a "very wise man." Mr. Feldberg's relationship with Brandeis was very strong, he said.

Nancy Winship, Brandeis' senior vice president for institutional advancement, said he knew "every blade of grass on this campus." Mr. Feldberg placed great value in ensuring that Brandeis was a technologically advanced institution, meriting the establishment of the Feldberg Communications Center.

Kathy Fallon of the Development office helped Mr. Feldberg plan a family reunion that was held at Brandeis. Fallon said 36 relatives joined Mr. Feldberg at the 1999 event.

The Feldbergs' association with Brandeis crosses generations. Mr. Feldberg's daughter, Margery, is a member of Brandeis' science council, an advisory board that consults the administration on scientific matters.

When Reinharz became Brandeis' seventh president in 1993, Mr. Feldberg was one of the first trustees to see him. Reinharz said Mr. Feldberg, in addition to being a reliable, generous donor, was very supportive.

Mr. Feldberg's last major gift to the University went toward the creation of the Information Technology Resource Center. According to Fallon, nearly half of all Brandeis classes are enhanced through technology on a regular basis, a trend attributable to Mr. Feldberg's philanthropy.

In addition to serving as a trustee of Brandeis', Mr. Feldberg also served on the boards of Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and Storm Eye Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

He enjoyed skiing, traveling and playing golf. Reinharz said that after becoming a trustee emeritus, the "very erudite" Mr. Feldberg continued to actively contribute to the University.

Mr. Feldberg is survived by his wife, of Hilton Head, his daughter, of New York and his son, Mark, of Carmel, Calif.