Former Sheetz President & CEO Dies

ALTOONA, PA — Stephen G. Sheetz, the former Sheetz president, CEO and chairman of the board who was instrumental in growing the convenience store chain into a multi-state operation, died Sunday. He was 77.

The Altoon native began working part-time at the age of 12 for Sheetz Kwik Shopper, founded by his brother, Bob. After graduating from Penn State in 1969, Steve Sheetz became supervisor and director of operations for all four Sheetz locations. He later worked alongside his brother to expand the company to 100 store locations by 1983.

Following Bob's retirement, Steve served as President and CEO of Sheetz from 1984 to 1995, guiding the company through a period of significant growth. He also served as Chairman of Sheetz’s Board of Directors from 1995 to 2013, before transitioning to Chairman of CLI Transport in 2013. In 2020, he retired as an official Sheetz executive, while continuing to serve as the chairman of the Family Committee.

During his time as president and CEO, Sheetz introduced Made-to-Order, entered the fuel business, expanded the company into new states, and created the Sheetz mission of “Total Customer Focus.”

“Above all, Uncle Steve was the center of our family,” said Sheetz President/CEO Travis Sheetz. “We are so deeply grateful for his leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to our employees, customers, and communities.”

Steve Sheetz had a lifelong commitment to philanthropy, supporting numerous community and educational causes across the Altoona area and central Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Nancy, founded the Sheetz Fellows Program, which provides mentorship, financial support, and special programming to Penn State Altoona students with the potential to lead and serve in their communities and beyond. They also established the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, located in downtown Altoona. In recognition of their contributions, the couple was named Philanthropists of the Year by Penn State University in 2010.

Steve Sheetz is survived by his wife, Nancy, their two daughters, Megan Sheetz (Trevor Price) and Nicole Sheetz Frith (Brint Frith), and seven grandchildren.