Steve Sheetz, the longtime leader and visionary behind Sheetz convenience stores, died on January 4, 2026, in his hometown of Altoona, Pennsylvania. He was 77 years old and had touched countless lives through his business leadership and community work.
Born in Altoona on January 7, 1948, Steve’s connection to the family business began early. At just 12 years old, he started working part‑time at Sheetz Kwik Shopper, the humble convenience store his older brother Bob founded in 1952. That early experience ignited a lifelong dedication to the company and its people.
After graduating from Penn State University in 1969, Steve took on roles that would shape the growing company’s future. He helped transform Sheetz from a small local chain into a multi‑state enterprise. By 1983, the business had grown to 100 stores with his leadership support. When Bob retired, Steve became president and CEO, guiding strategic growth and innovation throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
Under his stewardship, Sheetz introduced customer‑focused offerings like Made‑to‑Order food, expanded into the fuel business, and extended its reach into new states. Steve also helped define the company’s mission around “Total Customer Focus,” a philosophy that would remain central to the brand for decades. He served as CEO until the mid‑1990s before becoming chairman of the board and later chair of the family committee, roles he held until his retirement in 2020.
But Steve’s impact wasn’t limited to business. He and his wife, Nancy, became major supporters of educational and community initiatives. They were among the largest contributors in Penn State Altoona’s history, funding scholarships and programs designed to empower future leaders. Their generosity extended to local charities, theatres, soup kitchens, humane societies, and more, making Steve a beloved figure far beyond the boardroom.
In recent months, Steve’s health had been fragile. He battled leukemia since 2011 and was hospitalized with pneumonia late last year. Although he briefly returned home for the holidays, complications ultimately led to his death at UPMC Altoona.
Sheetz President and CEO Travis Sheetz described Steve as “the center of our family,” crediting him with unwavering commitment to employees, customers, and the broader community. Friends, colleagues and family remember him as warm, generous, and deeply committed to making a positive difference.
Steve Sheetz is survived by his wife Nancy, their daughters Megan and Nikki, seven grandchildren, and several siblings. Funeral arrangements are pending as the community prepares to celebrate the life of a man many called a true pillar of Altoona.
