Subway co-founder Fred DeLuca has died

Subway co-founder Fred DeLuca died Monday at the age of 67.

DeLuca was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2013.

He continued to run Subway as CEO while undergoing treatments for his illness, but recently named his sister, Suzanne Greco, to serve as president of the brand and oversee daily operations.

DeLuca founded Subway, the biggest sandwich chain in the world, with Peter Buck in 1965 when he was just 17 years old.

Here's the full statement from the company on DeLuca's death:

Fred DeLuca, co-founder of one of the world's most well-known brands died Monday evening at the age of 67 just weeks after celebrating the businesses 50^th anniversary. DeLuca and his business partner Dr. Peter Buck opened their submarine sandwich in Connecticut in 1965 when DeLuca was only 17 years old.

In 2013 while doing what he loved best, traveling around to visit with franchisees, DeLuca fell ill and was ultimately diagnosed with Leukemia. Since that time he had been receiving treatments and still overseeing the brand as CEO he but recently named his sister, Suzanne Greco, as President to run the day to day operations.

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.

He was an extremely ambitious businessman, a bright and analytical thinker and was even a member of Mensa.

DeLuca leaves behind his wife, sister, son and members of his extended family- the thousands of team members that make up the Subway brand all over the world. He was always very proud of the work of his HQ staff and thousands of developers, franchisees, Sandwich Artists, suppliers and partners who he often and affectionately called "The Greatest Team in Franchising History."