In Memoriam: Fred DeLuca, Subway Co-Founder

Fred DeLuca, Co-Founder and CEO of one of the world’s largest sandwich chains Subway, has passed away at the age of 67.

Though the exact cause of death was not mentioned in a statement from Subway, DeLuca had been receiving treatments for Leukemia all while still overseeing the brand as its Chief Executive. Before his passing, his sister, Suzanne Greco, was named as President to run the day-to-day operations.

Remembered for his ambitious business-sense and humble charity, DeLuca was known for being a bright and analytical thinker and was also a member of Mensa, Subway said Tuesday.

With just a $1,000 loan from his friend Peter Buck, DeLuca set out to open his first sandwich shop in 1965 at only 17 years old. That sandwich shop came to be known as Pete’s Super Submarines in Bridgeport, Connecticut. According to the Wall Street Journal, DeLuca’s intention was to raise money from the sales he received to pay for his education to become a doctor like his friend Peter.

In an unexpected twist of fate, however, both partners instead continued expanding the chain and set a goal of opening 32 stores in a decade. By the time they reached 16 stores in Connecticut in 1974, DeLuca and Buck realized they wouldn’t meet their goal until they franchised the brand, the Wall Street Journal reports. The rest, as they say, is history.

Today, Subway now has more than 44,000 locations.

DeLuca was an active member of the International Franchise Association, 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.

DeLuca leaves behind his wife, sister, son, and members of his extended family.

DeliMarket News would like to offer our sincere condolences to Fred’s family and friends during this difficult time.