Tony Ventrella served as KING 5’s sports director from 1982 to 1994 and is considered a sportscasting legend in the Pacific Northwest.
SEATTLE — Former KING 5 sports director and three-time Emmy Award winner Tony Ventrella passed away Saturday night after a battle with cancer. He was 80 years old.
Family members told KING 5 that Tony passed away surrounded by his son Pete and grandson Zo. They said Tony was battling amyloidosis cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. Tony had three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Tony served as KING 5’s Sports Director from 1982 to 1994 and is considered a sportscasting legend in the Pacific Northwest. He also worked at KIRO TV from 1994 to 2002 before becoming a digital media host with the Seattle Seahawks. He won three Emmy Awards during his career.
Tony was also known as a host for many non-profit events and loved boxing and cutting hair. He was also involved in politics and wrote a book.
KING 5’s Chris Egan said, “Tony was beloved by many and brought great joy to all sports broadcasts.” “I am proud to say that I grew up a fan of Tony Ventrella. In 1992, Tony took time out of King 5’s busy schedule to give me the opportunity to break into sports broadcasting while I was a student at PLU. He has become a mentor and a role model, but more importantly, Tony Ventrella has become my friend.”
