Joseph A. Chazan, of Providence, a leading doctor, professor, businessman, and supporter of local arts, died Jul. 26. After completing his training at the former Boston City Hospital, he was a renal fellow at New England Medical Center and Beth Israel Hospital and served as a doctor in the public health service in Birmingham, Ala., before joining the Brown faculty. He developed and initiated the kidney dialysis program at Rhode Island Hospital. For many years he was clinical professor of medicine at Brown and director of renal diseases at Miriam Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and Rhode Island Hospital. In 1973, he established the Artificial Kidney Center of Rhode Island, the state’s first free-standing dialysis clinic. He went on to open eight more R.I. clinics and two in Massachusetts and was the founder of Nephrology Associates Inc. A great supporter of the arts, through the years he donated much of his collection to more than 40 museums. All the dialysis clinics he was associated with were furnished with art by local artists. “I think it would be nice if there were many more professionals who adorn their offices with local art instead of posters and prints,” he would say. In 2008 he launched NetWorks Rhode Island, a visual arts project. His wealth of knowledge and experience were instrumental in shaping the WaterFire Arts Center and its programs. He was involved with the Steel Yard, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, AS220, Farm Fresh, and the Providence Public Library. In 1978, he and his wife Helene, who predeceased him, established a scholarship in their names at the Rhode Island Foundation for the benefit of the Wheeler School. In 1984, they endowed the Friends of Glass scholarship at RISD, and in 1985, they established a scholarship fund for University at Buffalo medical students. He was honored with the 2013 Pell Award for outstanding leadership in the arts, while the American Kidney Fund named him its national caregiver of the year. The RISD Museum presented a selection of objects donated by the Chazans in its 2005 exhibition “Chazans’ Choice,” and in 2019 presented him with the RISD president’s medal of honor. He was proud of his Jewish heritage and served as a member and supporter of Temple Beth-El for more than 60 years. He is survived by his partner Vicki Veh; two daughters and sons-in-law; a son and daughter-in-law; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.