Leo McElligott Stepanian II

Leo McElligott Stepanian II, age 67, of Butler, passed away on Friday January 17th, 2025 at AHN Wexford Hospital. Born December 10th, 1957 in South Bend, IN, he was the son of Leo McElligott Stepanian and Patricia Ann (Lancaster) Fitzsimmons.
Leo was a 1976 graduate of Butler High School. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (Cum Laude) from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1980, and a Master Of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Syracuse University in 1982. Upon graduation, Leo was employed by IBM Corporation and served in various financial positions, ultimately becoming a Financial Planning and Analysis Manager.
Leo obtained a Juris Doctor (Cum Laude) from Duquesne University in 1994, upon which he left IBM to practice law alongside his father, Leo McElligott Stepanian. He became a partner in his father’s law firm in 2005, where he would continue to practice for the next 20 years.
Leo was a practitioner in civil law throughout his career, and counseled numerous individuals and businesses. He proudly served as long time solicitor for the Clerk of Courts, Register of Wills, and Recorder of Deeds, as well as a number of municipalities.
Leo was passionate about coaching youth hockey as his two sons grew up. He was a coach for the Butler Valley Bulldogs, Armstrong Arrows, as well as Butler High School for many seasons. One of his proudest moments as a coach was winning a state championship in 2006 with the Armstrong Arrows.
Leo had a love for music, especially the blues. He enjoyed going to concerts and festivals with family and friends, as well as entertaining them with his impressive record collection. Leo also enjoyed cooking and grilling. He swore only by a charcoal Weber grill, which he grilled on year-round. In addition, Leo had a passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed backpacking with friends and his brother, Josh Stepanian. He also enjoyed hiking, hunting, and quad riding with friends and family.
In addition to his family, Leo loved his six cats: Milo, Waldo, Tito, Cleo, Zito, and Mama. Milo, an orange tabby, was his close companion, and could often be found laying in Leo’s briefcase while he worked at his home office.
Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Gwen (Truban) Stepanian; 2 sons: Steven A. Stepanian III of Harmony, and David Stepanian of Butler; 2 brothers: Joshua (Jamie) Stepanian of Slippery Rock, and Jonathan Stepanian of Elizabethtown, PA; a sister, Leanne Stepanian of Butler; an aunt, Pamela Stepanian of Pittsburgh; a brother-in-law, Paul Truban of Mercerville, NJ and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo M. Stepanian and Patricia Ann (Lancaster) Fitzsimmons; an uncle, Steven A. Stepanian II; and an aunt, Dr. Laurie A. Stepanian.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, January 24th from 1-3 PM and 6-8 PM at Geibel’s Funeral Home, located at 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler, PA 16001.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stray Solutions Animal Rescue, the Butler Humane Society, and Tunnels To Towers Foundation.