DeLuca began the Subway franchise when he was only 17.

Subway Co-founder, Fred DeLuca, died at the age of 67 on Monday, Sept. 14, just weeks after celebrating the business’s 50th anniversary.

DeLuca was only 17 when he and his business partner Dr. Peter Buck opened their first submarine sandwich shop in Connecticut in 1965.

DeLuca was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2013. According to the Subway Website, since his diagnosis he had been receiving treatments and still overseeing the brand as CEO. Recently, however, he named his sister, Suzanne Greco, as president to run the day-to-day operations.

DeLuca was an active member of the International Franchise Association, as well as a recipient of numerous awards and accolades. He was a supporter of many charitable organizations focused mainly on those that promoted self-sufficiency and education programs. He was also a member of Mensa.