Tony Ventrella

Tony Ventrella

October 19, 2024

Steilacoom, Washington - Longtime renowned Seattle TV sportscaster and philanthropist, Tony Ventrella, passed away peacefully on Oct.19, 2024, after battling cardiac amyloidosis.

Tony was born to Anthony and Mary Louise Ventrella on June 18, 1944 in Wilton, Conn., where his father was the town barber. Tony was the fourth of five children. He followed in his father's barbering footsteps before enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he continued to cut hair.

In 1972, chasing his dream of sports broadcasting, Tony began hosting a local New England Sunday night radio show. His career pursuit led him to sportscasting in Fort Wayne, Ind., before he arrived at Seattle's KOMO 4. In the early 1980s, Tony moved to KING 5, where he was Sports Director and main sports anchor for 12 years before taking the lead sports broadcasting seat at KIRO 7 and KCPQ 13 (now FOX 13).

Following his on-air TV career, Tony served as Digital Media Host for the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders. Beyond his broadcasting career, Tony was also a gifted motivational speaker and author; an entertaining community theater actor; and enthusiastic host of countless fundraising events. In addition, Tony devoted time mentoring young people. His passion for political volunteering drew him into running for Washington state's U.S. 8th Congressional District in 2016. He indulged his Italian heritage through love of pizza and driving a cherished Alfa Romeo Spider.

Tony deeply loved his wife of 32 years, Mika; and was fiercely proud of his three children, Lisa (Jerud), Tim (Lima) and Pete (Giselle); eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His parents- and brother-in-law, Nobu and Masae, and Peter (Yoshiko); sister, Mary Jane; nephew and niece Tony (Lisa) and Lorna; and his entire family miss him immensely.

A private family service is slated in Connecticut. A more public celebration of life is also being planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Tony's family invites you to consider donating in his memory to the Washington state Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).org" target="_new" rel="nofollow">Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).org).

Donate - Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).org" target="_new" rel="nofollow">Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).org).

Tony meant a lot to many people. Family, friends and colleagues would say he always remained unfailingly kind and genuinely positive. Tony's advice for life: "Learn all you can from other people; help as many people as you can; never take yourself too seriously; and no matter what, keep smiling."