Tony Ventrella, a longtime figure in Seattle sports, passed away on Saturday night.
“It is with a very heavy heart that it was my Dad’s time to go do the great sportscast in the sky,” said Ventrella’s son, Peter, in a social media post (via KIRO7.com). “He was loved by many and passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by family. I will miss you, Dad.”
Ventrella worked as the sports director at KING 5, Seattle’s NBC affiliate, from 1982-1994, and later served as the lead sports anchor at KIRO 7, Seattle’s CBS affiliate, from 1994-2002.
“Tony was loved by so many and brought joy to every sportscast,” said KING 5 sports reporter Chris Egan, according to Adel Toay of KING 5. “I’m proud to have been a Tony Ventrella fan growing up. In 1993, Tony took time out of his busy KING 5 schedule to talk with me about pursuing a career in sports broadcasting. He became a mentor, a role model, and, most importantly, my friend.”
Both the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners paid tribute. The Seahawks shared on X (formerly Twitter), “We are saddened by the passing of our friend Tony Ventrella. He was a beloved presence in our community and Seattle sports for over 40 years. His positivity and love for others will be remembered by all. We will miss you, TV.”
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… pic.twitter.com/BQGDfSTUV4
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 20, 2024
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. https://t.co/iBknmbGjNM
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) October 20, 2024
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
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