Altoona, PA (January 5, 2026) — It is with deep sadness that Sheetz announces the passing of its former President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, Stephen G. Sheetz, who died last night at the age of 77.
Born January 7, 1948, in Altoona, PA, Steve graduated from Altoona High School in 1965. At just 12 years old, Steve began working part-time for Sheetz Kwik Shopper, the company his brother Bob founded in 1952. After earning his degree from Penn State University in 1969, Steve became Supervisor and Director of Operations for all four Sheetz locations in operation. He later worked alongside Bob to grow 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.
Steve’s impact on Sheetz is immense. He played an instrumental role in guiding members of the Sheetz family into the business, helping them apply their skills and talents to support the company’s continued success. During his time as President and CEO, Sheetz introduced Made-to-Order (MTO®), entered the fuel business, expanded the company into new states, and created the Sheetz mission of “Total Customer Focus.” He remained actively involved in the business he helped build for more than 60 years, providing counsel and support as Sheetz continued to grow.
“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’s guidance shaped nearly every aspect of our family business,” said Joe Sheetz, Chairman of the Sheetz Board of Directors. “He was a mentor for every leader who has followed him and his vision, wisdom, and entrepreneurial spirit will be missed deeply by everyone at Sheetz.”
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 is survived by his wife, Nancy, their two daughters, Megan Sheetz (Trevor Price) and Nicole Sheetz Frith (Brint Frith), and seven grandchildren.
