ALTOONA, Pa. — Steve Sheetz, a key figure in transforming the modern convenience store and a longtime leader of Sheetz, died Sunday at age 77. The company confirmed that Sheetz died from respiratory complications after being hospitalized with pneumonia at UPMC Altoona.
Sheetz helped expand the family-owned business from a regional operator into one of the nation’s most influential convenience retailers, known for its made-to-order food program, advanced technology stores, and strong brand loyalty. Today, Sheetz operates more than 800 locations across seven states.
Steve Sheetz served as president and CEO from 1984 to 1995, a period characterized by rapid growth and strategic renewal. He then served as chairman of the board from 1995 to 2013, continuing to influence the company’s long-term vision and governance.
During his tenure, Sheetz launched the Made-to-Order (MTO) food concept, expanded aggressively into fuel retailing, entered new states, and helped shape the company’s mission around “Total Customer Focus.” In the early 2000s, he challenged the organization to rethink its own model, a directive that ultimately led to the opening of the first Sheetz “Convenience Restaurant,” a larger-format store emphasizing fresh food, speed, and customer experience.
“Steve’s guidance shaped nearly every aspect of our family business,” said Joe Sheetz, chairman of the Sheetz board of directors, in a statement. “He was a mentor to every leader who followed him, and his entrepreneurial spirit will be felt for generations.”
Born on Jan. 7, 1948, in Altoona, Steve Sheetz started working part time at the family business at age 12. He graduated from Penn State University in 1969 with a degree in business management and joined the company full-time that same year. At that time, Sheetz operated only four stores.
Beyond the company, Sheetz played a significant role in industry leadership through NACS, serving as its chairman from 1990 to 1991. His involvement helped expand the association’s public affairs focus and contributed to the development of the annual NACS Show as a comprehensive industry exposition.
“Steve was a true visionary who helped redefine Sheetz and the convenience retailing industry, particularly around foodservice,” said Frank Gleeson, president and CEO of NACS. “He didn’t just reinvent his company; he helped reinvent the industry.”
Sheetz was also deeply dedicated to philanthropy and education. In 2010, he and his wife, Nancy, were honored as Penn State’s Philanthropists of the Year after making major gifts to Penn State Altoona, which funded the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence and the Sheetz Fellows Program. The couple renewed and expanded those commitments in 2025.
Steve Sheetz is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughters, Megan Sheetz and Nicole Sheetz Frith; seven grandchildren; and several siblings, including his brother, Bob Sheetz.
His legacy endures not only in the growth of Sheetz, but in the way convenience retail evolved toward food, technology and customer-centric design under his leadership.
