Newcastle Remembers Tony Ventrella

Newcastle, WA – City of Newcastle staff were saddened to learn of the passing of longtime former resident Tony Ventrella over the weekend. Known to many as the face of Seattle sports and the voice of the Seahawks, Tony was also a dedicated volunteer, neighbor, and friend to the Newcastle community.

Tony, who lived in Newcastle’s Highlands neighborhood for 18 years, served on the Community Activities Commission and later the City Council, where he was chosen as Deputy Mayor in 2020. Beyond his notable television career, including his time as a sportscaster at KING 5 and a media host for the Seattle Seahawks, Tony was passionate about community engagement, supporting local businesses, and fostering a sense of unity through events like Newcastle Days.

His legacy will live on through the numerous events he helped shape, including the Tony Ventrella Softball Classic, Boocastle, and the city’s Christmas tree lighting. Tony’s contributions and genuine spirit of kindness will be remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Tony was 80 years old.

For more information, visit the official City of Newcastle announcement honoring Tony’s legacy and contributions.

For more details and tributes from community leaders, please read Councilmember Ariana Sherlock’s heartfelt remembrance below.

Remembering Tony Ventrella

We lost one of the kindest humans I have ever had the pleasure of knowing this past Saturday. Tony Ventrella was an amazing friend and I already miss him so much! I only met Tony about six years ago, but it feels like we have been friends my entire life. And here’s the magic of Tony: I know I am not special in feeling this way, because he made a unique impression on everyone he met and created deep friendships with so many people from all walks of life.

Most people know Tony through his love of sports and broadcasting, especially in the Seattle area, but those of us in Newcastle know him as a good neighbor, avid community volunteer, advocate for the arts, Councilmember/Deputy Mayor, and true friend.

I will miss our texts, talks, and most of all volunteering together at the Newcastle Fruit & Produce Co. for all the various community events. I love you, Tony. Thank you for being my friend and role model. You will live on through the kindness you showed to so many of us!

My deepest condolences to Tony’s family,

-Ariana