"To the Andretti Family, Sorry to hear of John's passing. I watched him race what seemed like my whole life, and we're the same age. I have missed seeing him on the track the last few years. God Bless, Todd in Ohio"
In loving memory of
John Andrew Andretti
John Andrew Andretti, 56, of Mooresville passed away January 30, 2020 surrounded by his wife and three children.
John was born in Bethlehem, PA and raised in Brownsburg, IN. He attended Moravian College where he received a degree in Business Administration.
John was a loving husband, father, and friend to all who crossed his path. He had a strong faith in God and was a devoted Catholic. He cared deeply for the children of Riley Hospital and raised nearly $4.5 million through his annual Race for Riley event, which he began in 1997. He was known for his profound work ethic, witty sense of humor, and love for his family. He never shied away from hard work, the opportunity to help someone else, or a fast car. As he always said: "you don't have to be the smartest, the fastest, or the strongest - you just have to work the hardest."
John was one of the most versatile drivers of his era winning in go-karts, USAC Midgets, Sprint Cars, Prototypes, GT Cars, IndyCar, NASCAR and Drag Racing. He also set a land speed record in 1993. In a professional career that spanned from 1982-2012, he would never formally announce his retirement, as he always said he would drive again! His final race was in 2012 at the 50th Anniversary of the 24 Hours of Daytona with his son as his teammate.
John used his Colon Cancer diagnosis to help others, starting the #Checkit4Andretti Campaign to encourage people to be screened earlier. Over the years, countless people have mentioned that they, or their family members, got screened due to his campaign. There have been more than a few that found pre-cancerous tumors or caught cancerous tumors before they were able to spread.
John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Nancy Andretti; their children, Jarett, Olivia, and Amelia; his parents, Aldo and Carolyn Andretti; his siblings Mark Andretti (Diane), Carolyn Andretti Molander (Scott), Mary Jo Andretti Dial (Bobby), and Adam Andretti (Tabitha); as well as many loving family members, friends, and colleagues. He was especially close to his Uncle Mario and cousin, Michael, whom he lived with during his college years.
The family will receive friends on Monday, February 3, 2020, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM followed by Eulogy and Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 PM at St. Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville, NC.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2020, at 1:00 PM, at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the Mass at the church. Private burial will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to: Window World Cares, 118 Shaver Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 http://www.windowworldcares.com and/or Riley's Children's Foundation 30 S. Meridian Street, Ste 200, Indianapolis, IN 46024, https://www.rileykids.org
Tributes
"I'M VERY SORRY TO HERE THIS NEWS. RIP JOHN"
"Our Dearest Nancy We were deeply saddened by John's death. Seth and I have such warm memories of the two of you. You were neighbors in the truest sense. You taught us about race car driving. Not the partying, but the hard work and dedication. You taught us to respect the sport and appreciate the complexity. I remember the awe we felt when John showed us his helmet with the tire imprinted across the top. We think of so many adjectives when remembering John - intense, humble, kind, respectful, passionate, competitive, helpful, supportive, moral, analytic, motivated, persistent ... we could fill the page. He had that wonderful twinkle in his eye and that half smile. We are so sorry that we can?t be there with you to celebrate his life, to meet his children who are no longer infants and toddlers, and to support you, his beautiful and wonderful wife who always stood by his side. Please know our thoughts and love are with you and your family. Fondly, Maria and Seth Malin"
"I am just a fan of all the Andretti's. Prayers for all."
"Having worked with John for twenty years on the Race for Riley, I was honored to have met one of the best that mankind has ever had."
"Raised in NC in a racing family, deep roots in NASCAR. Never knew him personally but still feel the void."
"A local hero....gone way too soon. A good man. Always did it for others. He will be missed by many. Condolences to the family."
"A truly humble man gone too soon! I always enjoyed following his career. God Bless him. "