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Andy Granatelli
1923 - 2013
Andy Granatelli
1923 - 2013
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1923
DIED
2013
Andy Granatelli Obituary
Granatelli's son, Vince, said his father died Sunday of congestive heart failure at a Santa Barbara hospital.
Granatelli is a member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame.
"Everything he did was bigger than life," Vince Granatelli said.
Andy Granatelli's cars nearly won the Indianapolis 500 in 1967 and '68 with turbine engines. He broke through in 1969 with Mario Andretti driving his winning car with a conventional engine. Granatelli kissing Andretti on the cheek in Victory Lane is one of the most famous images in Indy history.
In 1973, Gordon Johncock gave Granatelli another Indy 500 victory.
"The thing that gave him the most gratification in his life was what he did at the Indianapolis 500," Vince Granatelli said.
Andy Granatelli was born in Dallas. He gained fame during World War II as a promoter of racing events, such as the Hurricane Racing Association.
He is survived by wife Dolly and sons Vince and Anthony.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
82 Entries
DENNIS RENKO
March 27, 2021
I worked at tune-up masters for 5 yrs, and grew to know ANDY pretty well, anytime I called corporate and spoke to his secretary Karen, she says ANDY always had time to speak to me, that I was one of his favorite MGRS. I managed the FLAGSTAFF ,AZ shop, i HAVE AUTOGRAPHED PICS OF HIM AND I on a bet for $100 I won, ;aughing in pic. I loved him like a father, he always gave me good advice, 3 secrets about being successful in life, POSITVE MENTAL ATTITUDE, EXTRA EFFORT, AND DESIRE, and I've followed this my whole CAR SALESMAN CAREER. THANK YOU ANDY R.I.P.
monty gentry
May 24, 2019
I worked for Tune Up Masters in Texas. He had a good business. I miss working there. My sympathies to the Granatelli family. May he rest in peace.
L
November 25, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
How you can show support
Dave Grimmitt
February 11, 2015
Andy was one of the nicest guys I have ever knew, He even loved his picture with Herbie the love bug, that Herbie autographed for his office wall. His wife Dotty is as close to an angel as I'll ever get. Andy, thanks..You'll be missed, but never forgotten. Dave Grimmitt ( formerly of Santa Barbara, Now of Rocklin, Ca )
earle westbrook
November 16, 2014
Sweet Jesus, please provide comfort and strength for his family and close friends.
March 5, 2014
Condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Granatelli. Please take comfort from the words found at 1 Corinthinas 15:26.
Richard Paul
February 15, 2014
I ment 50 years ago.
It's hard admitting I'm that old, even to myself.
Richard Paul
February 12, 2014
About 40 years ago I was good friends with Vince and racing Studebaker with help from Andy. At Bonneville late night 1am Andy and Dolly roll into town and find me sleeping in my truck (couldn't afford a room) In the morning they came back and took me to breakfast. They then left town, however he first gave me their room payed up for the week. There's more.
All my best and condolences to Dolly and Vince
Allen Bomar
February 6, 2014
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Granatelli when I worked for Tune Up Masters in '82 twice , I learned a lot while at Tune Up Masters , and would like to thank him and his managers for the knowlege I had taken with me when I left , as the years passed by , I felt like I should have paid them instead of them paying me , but even though there were frustrating times , I actually had a lot of fun , and I want to thank you guys , ( you know who you are ) I had forgotten about Andy over the years , until I bought my Hemmings " Muscle Machines " off the news stand , and saw his obituary , what scares me , is the fact that he was as old as I am now when I met him , but at this time my condolences go out to the Granatelli family and I praythat God will bring peace and comfort to them at this time , And I can say that I actually look forward to the time I go to Heaven , I know it is a beautiful place , and it will never be boring with the likes of John Z. DeLorean , Zora Arkus Duntov , Carroll Shelby , Ed " Big Daddy " Roth , Boyd Coddington , Andy Granatelli nd many others , growing up as a kid , I had seen and read about him in the pages of HOT ROD MAGAZINE , and I had those STP stickers on my bicycle and my skateboard , he was definetely one of the more inovative people in the automotive world , and he will be missed , and this is what I love about God , he created individuals , he created people on purpose for HIS purpose , there is NOT one person alike on this earth from one another , and there is no other Andy Granatelli , RIP Andy !
January 21, 2014
HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO MOURN,SINCE THEY WILL BE COMFORTED...MATT.5:4,MAY GOD BE YOUR CONSOLATION,AND COMFORTER,AT THIS TIME...................C
January 11, 2014
Dear Dolly and family,
I will always cherish the time I worked alongside, with and for the Granatelli family. Mr. G is one of the most important people , one of the most hands on kind of guy I have ever had the honor to know. A real man to look up to always. I love you pal.
Sean and Sara Flynn, Ukiah ,Ca.
Jon Clifton
January 5, 2014
He did more for motor sports than anyone can imagine.
Richard Villarreal
January 2, 2014
Best boss I ever had.
Closest thing to a hero I ever had.
God speed Andy.
PHIL ANNETT
January 2, 2014
"ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MEN IN MY LIFE, ANDY'S LIFE IS LIKE A BOOK, A BEST SELLER.....NOW IT CAN BE PUBLISHED. MY RESPECT AND PRAYERS TO DOLLY,VJ AND ANTHONY."
PHIL ANNETT
Ken Jenkins
January 2, 2014
A sincerely passionate man, dreamer, idealist, innovator, legend & family man. He was a true role model for so many young racing enthusiasts. The world of auto racing wouldn't be the same without Andy Granatelli.
May he rest in peace. And may his family, friends & loved one's find comfort, peace & serenity.
MICHAEL DIANA
January 2, 2014
Truly a legend. My respects to the family.
January 1, 2014
My deepest sympathy may God words bring you comfort during this time.He will actually swallow up death forever, and certainly wipe the tears from all faces
Is. 25:8
Holly Coumbe
January 1, 2014
Many memories of Andy and our family at The Indy 500. My father Tom Barrett met Andy in 1949.. Whether we were at the dirt track or at the speedway we had a lot of family memories.. A true legend for sure... When Andy was around you knew we would be laughing all time.. RIP Andy.. Holly Barrett Coumbe & John Coumbe
Thomas &. Bonnie Barrett
January 1, 2014
Andy was a true legend in the car racing business , a longtime friend we will miss him
January 1, 2014
May God give you strength, support and comfort during this difficult time? Be assured of his deep love and concern for you. 1 JOHN 4:9, 10, 19.
With My Deepest Sympathy,
December 31, 2013
I had the good fortune to serve as Andy's labor lawyer for fifteen years. He was not only the most fun client I ever had but became a dear friend. So many memories--Dolly, Jackie and I both send our regards.
Al Rolnick
Atlanta, Ga
December 31, 2013
I would ask Andy every time I was going to Chicago, what restaurant he would recommend... The food was always great.
December 31, 2013
may the God of comfort be with you and yours revelations chapter 21 vs 3&4
PETER SIPARI
December 31, 2013
The Legend.
Rest in Peace Andy Granatelli!
David Ray
December 31, 2013
Thank you for the memories Andy. Our prayers are with you and your family. I can still hear that advertising jingle...STP...is the racers edge!
Coe
December 31, 2013
My deepest sympathies are extended to the
family. Even though at the time words are hard to come by, please read 1 Cor. 1:3,4 for comfort during this difficult
time.
jerry clark
December 31, 2013
He was a racer!
michelle plakas-kaiser
December 30, 2013
rip
Terry Conkle
December 30, 2013
He was one of the people I would most like to talk to, a wish that will live on.
Hyde
December 30, 2013
The family has my deepest sympathy for their loss. Trust in God with your whole heart and do not lean up on your own understanding. Mr. Granatelli lead an interesting life and must have left the family with many fun memories. In the coming days rely on these as well as the Creator.
Patti Mabey
December 30, 2013
A Great Man who will surely be Missed in the racing community. GOD Bless Him and give his Family Peace knowing he is racing in Heaven.
December 30, 2013
Sorry for your loss. May the God of peace be your stronghold for this distress time.
Jason & Jenny Blenker
December 30, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. We had the honor and privilege to meet Mr. Granatelli & his family and take a tour of Indy in 2007 and listen to their stories. A great man. You will be missed, but your legend will live on. Thank you for being a leader and visionary.
L. Richardson
December 30, 2013
Dolly,
Please accept my condolences and prayers for you and your family. Andy was one-of-a-kind with a heart of gold. I consider myself most fortunate to have worked for him and to have known the both of you for the past 25 years. May God bless you and your family.
Cheryl
December 30, 2013
May comfort and strength from God be with the family in the days ahead.
Claudia Montano
December 30, 2013
My deepest condolences for the Granatelli Family. May his Soul rest in Peace. He was a great innovator and entrepreneur..He was a Character..funny..and always with a great sense of humor..
Rick Bowen
December 30, 2013
I have fond memories of my meetings with Andy at his TM office in the Valley and when Vince and I launched the new STP Indy Car at a PR event on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. My condolences to you Vince and your Family.
Denny Zimmerman
December 30, 2013
Vince and Family, Sorry to hear. A great man and one who had a positive impact on the 500. RIP.
MARY ATHENA ENDOM
December 30, 2013
DEAR DOLLY,
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS VERY SAD TIME.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
MARY ATHENA ENDOM (KRAHN)
Anissa Moritz
December 30, 2013
Andy, you were beautiful and amazing!!! You and Dolly toyched si many lives. The world will not be the same without you, however, you live in our hearts forever!! Rest in peace and may God be with you always. See you on the other side <3 love to you and your family<3 Anissa Moritz
kevin kelly
December 30, 2013
rest in peace.My favorite sport from when i was a kid was open wheel racing.My biological mother said my first spoken word was weese,pointing to a cars wheel.
SANDRA STEPHAN-WOOD
December 30, 2013
MY SYMPATHY DOLLY....YOU WOULD NOT REMEMBER ME BUT YOU ARE A KIND LADY THAT I MET IN SOUTH BEND INDIANA IN 1963/1964. TO THIS DAY I REGRET I SMOKED IN YOUR CAR WHEN MR.G DIDN'T ALLOW IT. FOR THAT I AM TRULY SORRY...
Cookie Barrett
December 30, 2013
With a garden of beautiful memories, sprayed with a million tears. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Barbara Wilcox
December 30, 2013
So shocked and sad to hear the news this morning. Mrs.Granatelli, you and Mr. G. were always so kind to me. I am so sorry for your loss. Barbara
Laura Fromknecht
December 30, 2013
I worked for Mr. G. at STP in Fort Lauderdale. He was a hard and dedicated worker. My sympathies to the Granatelli family. May he rest in peace.
December 30, 2013
may he rest in peace and the love of friends and family carry you through this grief
December 30, 2013
my condolences to dolly and his family.
Andy will long be remembered for his
achievements and in my prayers
Joe Nates
Mike Dugan
December 30, 2013
To the Granatelli Family:
A legend who will never be forgotten by Indy fans.
Gold bless you all.
Carolyn A. Ward
December 30, 2013
My codolences to the Granatelli family and friends,may the God and our Lord Jeuus Christ bless with peace and comfort.
fred girard
December 30, 2013
fred girard
whenever I needed help you were there. soldiers field- racing on the way to Milwaukee-on western ave. chasing the fordilacs on Eden's frank sesso your smile and laughs- see you someday until then
Barry Campbell
December 30, 2013
Rest in Peace.
LESTER PURDY
December 30, 2013
TO THE GRANATELLI FAMILY FROM THIS FAN AND ADMIRERS PIT BOARD---CHIN UP!!MAY HE REST IN PEACE
joaquim-rodrigues-redeemer barbosa
December 30, 2013
condolenses
Loretta Harderd
December 30, 2013
I remember reading Mr Grandatelli's book "They Call Me Mr. 500". My children and theirs have read the book that remains in my library. RIP Mr. Grantelli.
Kevin FitzMaurice
December 30, 2013
At the finish line far too soon. Thanks for the ride.
Myra Harrison
December 30, 2013
May the God of all comfort grant your family peace and comfort in your time of loss
b davis
December 30, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 30, 2013
My sympathies to the Granatelli family. Andy was such a great racer and innovator.
Dwayne Bickham
December 30, 2013
In God's care rest in peace
December 30, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
December 30, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 30, 2013
They call him Mr. 500
December 30, 2013
Mrs. Granatelli and Family,
Please accept our condolences and prayers o tne passing of your dear husband. The family is in our sincere prayers. Cherish his memories and they they bring peace and comfort to your hearts. Talk to God for he is the Hearer of prayer.-PS.65:2
Bill Torgerson
December 30, 2013
Thanks for helping to make Racing what it is today, May you rest in eternal peace.
December 30, 2013
You can be sure that the God of all comfort is with you,in this time of distress,In fact he is never far off from each one of us. Just search for him and he can be found. Acts 17:27
Victor Checketts
December 30, 2013
Shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of a great ambassador to auto racing, Andy Granatelli. I went to the Indianapolis 500 museum and saw the famous picture of Andy kissing Mario Andretti on the cheek after he won the 500 in 1969, that will always stand out in my memory. Andy was such a great innovator and his STP oil is widely used. May the family of Andy be blessed by the love our dear savior comfort them at this time of great sadness. Rest in Peace Andy and thank you for the great contributions you gave to auto racing. You will never be forgotten.
Steve Stallard
December 30, 2013
He was class act. My Condolences to the Family.
Adrian Barnette
December 30, 2013
We'll miss you !
Barbara Shea
December 30, 2013
Barbara shea
STP Turbine at Practice, Hanford '69
K Durham
December 30, 2013
One of Andy's turbines at Hanford 4/13/69
K Durham
December 30, 2013
Mario on his way to winning for Andy at Hanford 4/13/69
K Durham
December 30, 2013
Andy at Hanford 4/13/69
K Durham
December 30, 2013
K Durham
December 30, 2013
Andy Granatelli was one of my first heroes of American auto racing and always will be. I read "They Call Me Mr. 500" when it was released in 1969 and was hooked. His legacy in American auto racing will never cease -- what a great man! I am adding to the gallery some treasured photos of Andy and his cars at the 1969 Indy Car race at Hanford, CA, which Mario won in the same Brawner Hawk he would win the Indy 500 in a little over a month later. Way to go Andy!
Scott Chamberland
December 29, 2013
Rest in Peace
Kim
December 29, 2013
Sorry for the loss of your love one, May the God of comfort help you endure through this stressful time. Proverbs 18:10
Beverly Linton
December 29, 2013
What a wonderful icon in racing. RIP Mr500.
December 29, 2013
Remember Andy from his Indy 500 days. He brought excitement and innovation to Indy. I was just a kid but followed Andy and his cars and drivers with great enthusiasm. Sympathies to all in the Granatelli family. A large person in racing history is lost. Sincerely. Chuck Thompson
Suzanne Gattenio
December 29, 2013
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