My name is Lieutenant Colonel Caleb Haley. I am a retired F-15 pilot and I had the great honor of flying with Aldo as mentioned in his obituary. I write this heavy in heart but with the goal of bringing joy to the entire Andretti family. I just learned today that Aldo passed over 4 years ago and this will remain one of the biggest regrets of my life. You see, Aldo and I wrote back and forth several times via email after I flew with him back in 2007. However, I changed email servers and deleted my old email account sometime probably in 2010. I lost Aldo's email address and his letters to me. I never heard from him again and although it was a mistake it was totally my fault. It was a mistake to delete the account without ensuring I had his address. As time went on the regret of losing a chance to become friends with such a great man was slowly healed. However, today it is fresh again. I am honored to have known Aldo and so let me try to fill in some details about our flight together.

We had a mission briefing before the flight and I already knew Aldo was special. He was asking questions that I wouldn't expect a non-pilot to ask like "What is the best speed for turning?" and "What happens if you get too slow?" I suspected his keen mind was able grasp all things mechanical; not just cars.

After the brief, we stepped out to the F-15D on a sunny Florida day and did our pre-flight inspection. As I was helping Aldo get into the backseat, he bumped his head on one of the latches that secures the canopy to the railing. This happens so often we had a term for it, the "Eagle Bite" since we flew the F-15 Eagle. The bit caught Aldo just right and blood was flowing! The toughness of this man! He asked for a paper towel, wadded it into a ball, and shoved his helmet on his head! No problem.

We fired up the 2 mighty jet engines and begin taxing down towards the runway. I asked Aldo if he wanted a max performance takeoff or a nice and easy takeoff. You know which one he wanted. I pulled onto the runway and ignited the afterburners on both engines and we went screaming down the runway. We were airborne in about 1200 feet and by the end of the runway we were traveling at over 450 miles per hour. I executed a maximum performance pull of about 8 G forces and pulled the nose of the F-15 into the pure vertical. There is nothing like pointing 90 degrees nose high whilst being supported by nothing except twin pillars of fire. Aldo was laughing with joy and excitement and I could tell this was going to be a fun flight.

After getting to the practice airspace I demonstrated a few basic maneuvers like an aileron roll and a loop. Then, I handed the controls over to Aldo so he could try. Now mind you I don't usually hand the controls over on these types of flights but I trusted Aldo. He flew almost the entire rest of the sortie! He was rolling through aileron rolls at 360 degrees per second. He was pulling 5 G loops at 500 miles per hour and over 10,000 of altitude change. We pulled up alongside another F-15 and Aldo flew formation. I can remember him saying, "Wow, you can really feel this jet respond to your inputs!" Aldo was a natural. Aldo was a joy to fly with!

It was only as we got very close to base that I took over so that I could land the airplane. I have no doubt Aldo could have done it himself but I had to do that part.

I have pictures of this event that I would love to share. I think Aldo got a copy as well but maybe not. I have the same picture as his obituary!

I don't know if anyone still checks this memory page, but if you do, please reach out to me so that I can somehow forward all of the pictures I have to the Andretti Family.

Caleb Haley

Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force, Retired

slickf15@gmail.com

I met Aldo with the whole family when Carolyn and Aldo served as God parents to my uncle Donny and Marlyn's daughter at Speedway when I was 8 or 9. He sent me photos of the family and after his surgery from the wreck in Iowa. He also sent many items from Indy. I thought so much of him for being so kind to me. He truly had a huge heart and I will miss him.

Riposa in pace.

I just wanted to say i am sorry for ur loss when i was a freshman in highschool i was at krogers in brownsburg with my parents and i ran into aldo at krogers and i said hi to him. U are in my thoughts and prays.

Rachel Mackinnon

When I reflect back on my most treasured friends, Aldo immediately comes to mind. My first experience upon meeting him 52 years ago was that he did a most thoughtful and meaningful favor for me without my ever asking. He has been one of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve ever been associated with. His presence always made things better. Everyone should be so fortunate to live life with an Aldo in it. Our shared good-time memories will last beyond the time we can begin making new ones together again. God bless you, Aldo. See you upstairs.

Sympathies to extended Andretti family. May the support from the community help you get through your period of mourning.

To the family of Aldo andretti me and my family have always admired and respected the whole andretti family we are big andretti fans racing would not be the same without your family name the only andretti I ever met was Mario classy and a real gentleman so sorry about your loss may God grant the andretti family comfort and may Aldo rest in peace I now that when Aldo went to heaven God looked at him and said son job well done. From David and Laura joseph

Valerie Drew - Aldo was a fine man...and because of my husband Bill Drew I also had the delightful pleasure to meet and become friends with Aldo, Corky and their family..These occassions became the most funfilled and exciting times in my life on and off the track. BILL and I yearly attended so many events like Vegas..Indy plus numerous other such racing events both in Canada and United States . Bill thought the world of the racing sport but like me valued the friendships of Aldo and John. I would imagine all 3 are likely having a grand time at the HEAVENLY TRACK .. til we meet again ...

To a family that has gone through so much in recent years, I hope you feel the love and support of those around you. With my deepest sympathy, I’m so sorry for your loss.

Gary Tribolet

May the hope of Heaven give you peace and the tender touch of God's grace bring you comfort. Our hearts are full of sorrow for the loss of Aldo. Please accept our condolences and our prayers during this difficult time. Jeff and Leah Recker

Corky:

Aldo was a great friend. We put in a lot of time together pulling the 55 car to races. Rufus always thought we were trying to leave them…really we would just make a wrong turn! When traveling out east, we had a lot of fun staying at your Mom & Dad’s house. I enjoyed running out in Kansas and Oklahoma, but enjoyed Indiana and Ohio the most.

When Aldo had his Firestone shop, we had a hard time balancing tires on the Ford truck. The machine shop was 2 blocks from my shop. I would go over during lunch and talk sometimes. We drifted apart some when I retired and moved to Bloomington. We moved to Pittsboro in 2020 and I was going to contact Aldo in February to see if we could get together. I’ve missed not seeing and talking to your family the last few years. I am sorry for your losses this last year. I cannot come to the showing because of my health. Aldo and I sure did have some good times! RIP Aldo.

Richard Newkirk

Sorry to hear of Aldo's passing. My father Paul was his accountant for many years beginning in the 1970's with the Firestone store. I would see Aldo at least once a year, and it was always a pleasure to see him. Always seemed to be enjoy the life he was given. Remember the good moments in your time of grieving. Condolences from the Harrold family.

Scott Harrold

Fort Wayne, IN

I will truly miss seeing Aldo at the Speedway. I enjoyed helping him up the stairs, listening to his funny comments, seeing his bright smile, and getting to know the family. While I have to send a virtual hug today, I look forward to real hugs in May. My sympathies to the whole family and especially Corky and Adam from Aldo’s “yellow shirt nurse”.

Please accept my condolences. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time.

I'm so very sorry about Aldo. I know you have a good family support with much love to help you through this time.

Joe always felt that his time working with Aldo was his best. He not only had a boss but he had a friend.

I am truly sorry for your loss I am a survivor of Covid - I am sure Aldo was a fighter my heart is sad for your family - my prayers and blessings to u all during this time -

A wonderful man and friend. Deepest regards to the Andretti family.

In loving memories of my childhood with your family having overnights with Carolyn, Mark and John....and our 2nd Mom Corky and Dad Aldo...My dad Don Carr is probably haming it up with your dad. Talking old times...May the Lord Jesus Christ give you comfort in knowing he is with him ...Love You. Marilyn Carr and Brenda Carr Burgess

Corky & family our thoughts & prayers are with you. Aldo will be greatly missed .

Your family has been and will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Ralph and Debbie Copeland and family!

Carol Stienke and Monty Likes #43

For The Andretti Family, You are in our Prayers and Thoughts Daily.

Aldo Was Such a Kind And Nice Man whenever We Would run Into Him.

He Will Be Greatly Missed.

GOD BLESS

LOVE YOU ALL

Carol. Monty #43

Pres. John Andretti Fan Club

MJ & family,

Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Sending our love & prayers.

My deepest expression of sympathy to the Andretti Family. I am so sorry for your loss. So proud to have known Aldo and worked with him at Stoops. He was such a gentleman and a joy to be around. The good times were many and I will cherish the memories of those good times. My God lay his hand on you and comfort you at the sad time. Rest In Peace, Aldo Andretti, in til we meet again.

So sorry for you loss. Sympathy and prayers to the entire family. Aldo was a very sweet and caring man and will be missed dearly.

Love,

Rosie Neal

My condolences to the entire Andretti family for the passing of Aldo.

My great-niece often cut his hair at her shop in Brownsburg, IN. She always

commented on how friendly and kind he was.

Corky and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere sympathy and may God's love help you through these difficult days.

Bob and Mary Frances

Corky & family you are in my thoughts & prayers . Threesa Gregory & family