Steven Theodore Stetz – Charleroi
A loyal Charleroi native, Steven Theodore Stetz, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Feb. 16, 2019, in Ocala, Fla. Following an automobile accident on Nov. 26, 2018, Steven finally gave up after fighting for three months with his wife, Judy and mother-in-law, Betty, at his side daily. Steven was born on Oct. 12, 1945. Steven was the son of Lois Armstrong Stetz and Steve Stetz. Steven grew up playing with the neighborhood kids in downtown Charleroi, near the old Thoroughfare store. He went to Charleroi High School and played on the Charleroi Cougars football team. Steven graduated from high school in 1963 and entered Staunton Military Academy where he played Varsity Football. From Staunton, he went on to attend the University of Wyoming in Laramie. After a 2-year stint at the university, Steven missed his hometown, and came back to work with his dad at Stetz Bottling, learning the soft drink business. This became Donora Beverage, local bottler of Mission Beverages, the best orange pop in the Valley. In 1981, Steven and Judy founded Donora Sanitation. The business quickly grew from a single truck with Judy driving and Steven picking, to a large operation, which was sold to Waste Management. Tired of the cold Pennsylvania winters, Steven and Judy retired to Florida in 1996 where he managed Security Storage in Delray Beach from 1998 to 2016. During his management of the mini-storage, Steven found a love for rescuing and caring for abandoned cats. Steven finally retired and moved to Ocala in 2016, where he, Judy, Betty and a few rescued cats lived. They had many joyful days before the accident. Steven was always laughing and had comical stories to the end. Many people remember him for his jokes and storytelling, a talent he never lost. Steven is survived by wife, Judy; son, Kenny of Ligonier; sister, Kim of Dallas, Texas; and brother, TJ of Seattle, Wash. As per his wishes, no service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please send donations for rescued cats to the Humane Society of the United States.
