Key Takeaways
- His son, Peter Ventrella, shared the news of his passing.
- Tony kept his health struggles private despite undergoing chemotherapy.
- His career spanned over 40 years with KING 5, KIRO TV, and the Seahawks.
Tony Ventrella, a beloved figure in Seattle sports media, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the age of 80, after a long battle with cancer.
Though Ventrella had been quietly undergoing chemotherapy, he kept most of his health challenges private.
While the specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed, his health struggles were known to those closest to him before his passing.
His son, Peter Ventrella, announced his father’s d*ath with a heartfelt message.
Tributes soon followed from many organizations, including the Seattle Mariners and the Seahawks, underscoring the immense respect Tony earned throughout his career.
The Mariners issued a statement:
We join the Seattle sports community in remembering local sportscasting legend and former @KING5Seattle Sports Director Tony Ventrella. His passion and dedication to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest will always be remembered. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
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The Seahawks honored him with this message:
We are saddened by the passing of our friend Tony Ventrella. As a fixture in our community and sports media landscape for more than 40 years, Tony had a deep passion for the City of Seattle and Seattle sports. His positivity and love for others will be remembered by all. We will miss you, TV,” the Seahawks posted in a statement.
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Tony Ventrella made a lasting impact on Seattle’s sports community. Known for his charm, humor, and dedication to Seattle, he was loved both on and off the screen.
Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Ventrella worked with major media outlets, including WANE-TV (1977-1981), KING 5 (1982-1994) as a sports director, KIRO TV (1994-2002), and later as a digital media host for the Seattle Seahawks from 2008 to 2016.
My heart is breaking this morning. We've lost a sports broadcasting legend. He was a great mentor, my friend and loved by many. I'm sad to report that former @KING5Seattle sports director Tony Ventrella passed away last night at the age of 80 with his family by his side. pic.twitter.com/pHidbO0kTg
— Chris Egan King-5 TV (@ChrisEgan5) October 20, 2024
In addition to his remarkable broadcasting career, Tony earned three Emmy Awards, recognizing his talent and dedication to his craft.
In 2016, Tony made an unexpected shift from sports to politics, running for a U.S. House seat in Washington’s 8th Congressional District.
Although he lost the election, his campaign showed his passion for public service and his drive to make a difference in his community.
Beyond his professional achievements, Tony was deeply involved in the Seattle community. He frequently emceed non-profit events, always eager to give back to the city he loved.
Tony Ventrella’s passing truly marks the end of an era in Seattle sports media. His contributions to the industry, combined with his genuine love for storytelling and people, create a legacy that people will never forget.
Tony is survived by his wife, Mika, his three children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
He leaves behind not only a remarkable professional legacy but also a loving family who admired him just as much as the community he served.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Tony Ventrella, born in the summer of 1944 as the fourth of five children to Mary Louise and Anthony Ventrella, grew up in New England before his family moved to Wilton, Connecticut in 1953.
- He shared a special bond with his little sister Bunny, who tragically passed away of cystic fibrosis at the age of 10.
- In September 2017, he published his book titled “Here’s Smiling At You: When life throws you a curve ball, hit it out of the ballpark.”
