Scott Douglas Kalitta

Scott Kalitta Obituary

Scott Douglas Kalitta, 46, of Snead Island, Fla. passed away June 21, 2008. Born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan he moved to Manatee County in 2002 from the Cayman Islands. He was a two-time NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Top Fuel champion and one of only 14 drivers in NHRA history to earn victories in both premier nitro categories, earned 18 victories during his career, his last coming in Chicago in 2005 in Top Fuel. Kalitta earned most of his racing success in Top Fuel, where he claimed back-to-back world championship titles in 1994 and 1995. He retired from racing in 1997, sitting out most of two seasons before returning for a 10-race campaign in 1999. He sat out three more seasons and then returned again in 2003, joining cousin Doug as a second driver for the family's two Top Fuel dragsters. Kalitta started his pro career in Top Fuel in 1982, running limited events for four seasons before moving to Funny Car in 1986 for his first full season of competition. He returned to that category full time in 2006. He posted a runner-up finish two weeks ago in Chicago, his 36th career NHRA final-round appearance. Scott is preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Marianne and Dan McGree; and his uncle, Doug Kalitta, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Kathy of Snead Island; sons, Corey and Colin Kalitta of Snead Island; father, Connie Kalitta of Belleville, Michigan; uncle, Dale Propp of Austin, Texas; aunt, Janet Montani of Mio, Michigan; cousins, Wendy Kalitta of Sterling Heights, Michigan, Kelly Kalitta of Berkley, Michigan, Doug Kalitta, Jr. of Ann Arbor, Michigan; step-sisters, Colleen Kahl of Imalay City, Mich., Sue McCleary of Ferndale, Mich., Cari Sawicki of Roseville, Mich. Memorial contributions may be made to the school his sons attend, Saint Stephen's Episcopal School, Attn: Development Office, 315 41st Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209 or B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe/www.putonthebrakes.com), c/o Doug Herbert Performance Parts, 1443 E. Gaston St., Lincolnton, NC 28092. Services and burial will be private. Griffith-Cline Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

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Published by Bradenton Herald on Jun. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Scott Kalitta

12 Entries

J Williams

July 9, 2008

This such a tragic loss for a man with so much promise and future. I am glad he died doing what he loved. I am not a race fan but the loss of this talented man touched my heart. I guess he will be racing in heaven with the great Dale Ernhardt. Rest in peace. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the family left behind.

Gary

July 7, 2008

I hope the family can take comfort in knowing Scott has received his great rewards in Heaven and pray that in time all of his family & friends can take comfort in this as well.

Brooke McDonald

July 1, 2008

My deepest deepest condolences to the family and friends of Scott. He was a great driver and a great person.

Steve Van Nest

June 27, 2008

Wouldn't you just know it. Ole Scotty would beat us in the race for heaven. Race in Peace.

Rita & Terry Popwell

June 27, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Richard Burns

June 27, 2008

A racing brother who is still one of the best and will always be remembered forever. Race on my brother!!

Deb & Gary Schalge

June 27, 2008

We have followed drag racing for a long time and watched Scott become the champion he was. Connie, Kathy, Corey and Colin - you dont know us, but we want you to know how deeply saddened we are by this loss. We cannot take away your pain and suffering, but in our hearts we do know that Scott's memories will help you move forward. He had a lot of people outside of his family that truly loved him. GODSPEED Scott, you are a true Champion.

Lisa

June 27, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kalitta family and all of Scott's friends and extended family. I still can't believe he's gone...I've been watching him race for so many years. Rest in Peace, Scott. You will be missed by so many.

billy pratt

June 27, 2008

i have been a race fan for over 35yrs, and have raced myself for over 22yrs. the racing family is a family know matter what you race.May God Bless his family and all are in our Prayers....GOD SPEED SCOTT..................

Hugh and Sue

June 27, 2008

We are ardent followers of NHRA and are deeply saddened by the untimely and tragic death of Scott. May God bless his family and keep them safe. The sport will never be the same.

Jess Davis

June 27, 2008

Race on Scotty, race on.

You've run the race, you've keep the faith.

dennis reynolds

June 27, 2008

I have been a Kalitta fan since the sixties Connie and Scott . Scott will be missed by all.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results