Former Sheetz Corp. president and CEO Steve Sheetz, who oversaw the expansion of the Altoona-based convenience store chain, died Sunday, the company said.
Sheetz, 77, was head of the family-owned multi-state convenience store chain from 1984 to 1995, succeeding his brother, Bob, who had founded the business in 1952, according to the company. The company grew to about 100 stores by the time Steve Sheetz took control of the business and then added more than stores during his tenure.
Under Steve Sheetz’s leadership, the company began selling fuel and started its made to order food service. Steve Sheetz, who lived in the Altoona area, remained active in the family business he helped to build, said Travis Sheetz, the company’s president and CEO.
“Above all, Uncle Steve was the center of our family. We are so deeply grateful for his leadership, vision and steadfast commitment to our employees, customers and communities,” Travis Sheetz said.
Steve Sheetz also served as chairman of the company’s board of directors from 1995 to 2013. He retired as an official Sheetz executive in 2020, while continuing to serve as the chairman of the family committee.
“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.”
Sheetz has more than 800 stores in six states outside of Pennsylvania, including West Virginia, Maryland and Ohio.
