James V. LaFrankie was born on March 26, 1927 in Elizabeth, Pa. He graduated from Elizabeth High School in absentia in 1945, having enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in February of 1945.

LaFrankie was named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of American Water in 1984.

A lasting legacy of Mr. La Frankie's tenure is the decision to create uniformity and consistency among the subsidiaries and the parent company by renaming the subsidiaries to incorporate each state's name (i.e., Alexandria Virginia Water Company to Virginia-American Water). LaFrankie is also credited with forwarding the idea of transparency in the water industry, and promoting the idea of educating customers about the services provided by the company and their value.

LaFrankie practiced lifelong learning before the term was in common use, and he encouraged employees of all levels to continually improve their skills and obtain a formal education. Under his leadership, he instituted the company's research and development program, which today is one of the nation's preeminent water research programs.

He retired from his position as CEO in March 1991 and resigned from the board of directors, on which he also served, in May 1992. Upon his retirement, the board established the James V. LaFrankie Scholarship Awards in his honor, to be distributed annually nationwide to college-bound children of full-time American Water employees.

He and his wife, Nancy (nee Weigel) were married on June 12, 1954. They resided in Moorestown, N.J. for 18 years and moved to Williamsburg, Va. after his retirement. Last year they moved to Cary, North Carolina.

Survived by wife of 55 years, Nancy Louise (nee Weigel); seven children, Terrence (Debi), James (Paulina), Jane, Donna (Ken) Ambrose, Kenneth (Robin), Mark (Traci), and William (Frances); and 16 grandchildren. He is also survived by 4 brothers and a sister.

Visitation will be Sunday, Oct. 11 from 6-8 p.m. at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W Williams Street, Apex, NC 27502 (919) 362-8233

Funeral Mass on Monday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel, RC, 804 High House Road Cary, NC 27513. (919) 468-6100.

Condolences may be made to www.apexfuneral.com