Stephen G. Sheetz, the former president, CEO and board chairman of his family’s Altoona, Pennsylvania-based c-store chain, died Sunday night. He was 77, the company said.
Sheetz had a history with the company that spanned nearly his entire life. When he was just 12 years old, Sheetz began working part-time for Sheetz Kwik Shopper, the retailer founded by his brother Bob in 1952.
After graduating from Penn State University in 1969, Sheetz became supervisor and director of operations for the then-four-unit c-store chain. By 1983, working along with his brother, Sheetz helped expand the chain to 100 stores.
Following Bob’s retirement, Stephen Sheetz served as president and CEO of Sheetz from 1984 to 1995. He was chairman of the company’s board of directors from 1995 to 2013. In 2013, he became chairman of CLI Transport, Sheetz’ petroleum transport arm.
- Sheetz is No. 13 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
Sheetz retired as a chain executive in 2020, while continuing to serve as chairman of the Family Committee.
“Above all, Uncle Steve was the center of our family,” Sheetz President and CEO Travis Sheetz said in a statement. “We are so deeply grateful for his leadership, vision and steadfast commitment to our employees, customers and communities.”
Stephen Sheetz (left) standing beside his brother Bob (middle) and nephew Stan Sheetz (right). | Photo courtesy: Sheetz
Sheetz’ tenure was filled with accomplishments and growth at the chain. During his time as president and CEO, Sheetz introduced a made-to-order foodservice program, entered the fuel business, expanded into new states and created Sheetz’ mission of “Total Customer Focus.”
“Steve’s guidance shaped nearly every aspect of our family business,” Sheetz Chairman Joe Sheetz said. “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.”
Sheetz and his wife, Nancy, were named Philanthropists of the Year by Penn State University in 2010. The couple founded the Sheetz Fellows Program, which provides mentorship, financial support and educational programming to emerging student leaders at Penn State Altoona. The couple also created the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence in downtown Altoona.
Sheetz is survived by his wife; two daughters, Megan Sheetz and Nicole Sheetz Frith; and seven grandchildren.
The Sheetz c-store chain now has more than 800 stores throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio and North Carolina.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.