Alfred (Al) was born in Washington, DC on June 28, 1939 the oldest of seven children of the late Alfred

J. Francfort and Lucille (Wall) Francfort. He graduated from St. Ann’s Academy in New York City (now Archbishop Molloy High School).

Al entered Monmouth College and graduated with a BS in business administration majoring in economics. He was granted a Fellowship to attend the University of Pittsburgh where he received a MA degree and PhD in economics. He began his career teaching as Assistant Professor and then Associate Professor of Economics with tenure at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown from 1972-1983. Taking a leave of absence from 1979 to 1980 he served as Faculty Fellow in Energy and Minerals Economics at the US General Accountability Office (GAO).

Al served on the faculty of James Madison University as Professor of Finance in the College of Business from 1983 until his retirement in 2009. During the 26 years at JMU he was a Fulbright Scholar in Poland in 1987; he did research at the Commerzbank in Frankfurt am Main, Germany on a sabbatical leave where he developed contacts that led to the establishment of the International Exchange Program at the JMU College of Business; he was the Director of the International Business Exchange Programs from 1990 until 1997 initiating exchange programs with universities in Argentina, France, Germany and Hong-Kong; and he was Director of the Department of Finance and Business Law for nine years.

A devoted husband to his wife Elisabeth (Lisel) since August 1968, he shared her love for travel and exploring the beauties and cultures of other countries. Before and after retirement, he and his wife spent part of the year at their home in Germany and used it as headquarters to follow their dream to travel extensively to many countries around the world.

He is survived by several siblings and their families and extended families in Germany and Switzerland.

A Christian service will be provided by Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and a private graveside service will be conducted at Duck Run Natural Cemetery in Penn Laird, VA.

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.