Stepanian

Leo McElligott Stepanian II, 67, of Butler, passed away on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at AHN Wexford Hospital.

Born Dec. 10, 1957, in South Bend, Ind., 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 longtime 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; two sons, Steven A. Stepanian III of Harmony and David Stepanian of Butler; two 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, N.J.; 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.

STEPANIAN — Family and friends of Leo McElligott Stepanian II, who died Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stray Solutions Animal Rescue, the Butler County Humane Society, and Tunnels To Towers Foundation.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.