City of Newcastle staff were saddened to learn of the passing of longtime former Newcastle resident, Tony Ventrella, over the weekend. While many knew him as the face of Seattle sports and the voice of the Seahawks, to the Newcastle community, he was a dedicated volunteer, neighbor, and friend.
Tony and his wife, Mika, moved to Newcastle in 2004, residing in the Highlands neighborhood for 18 years. He served on the Community Activities Commission from 2015 to 2019 before being elected to the City Council. In 2020, he was chosen by fellow councilmembers to serve as Deputy Mayor, a role he held until 2021.
Before relocating to Seattle in 1982, Tony began his journalism career in Connecticut, eventually transitioning to radio before embarking on a successful television career. He spent over 20 years as a sportscaster at all four Seattle TV stations, earning three Emmy awards. Tony served as the sports director at KING 5 from 1982 to 1994, then as a sports anchor at KIRO 7 from 1994 to 2002, before becoming a digital media host with the Seattle Seahawks.
Tony was passionate about community engagement. He often worked at Newcastle Fruit & Produce, volunteered at local events, and enjoyed walking through downtown, saying he did it "just for the fun of seeing my neighbors." His contributions to Newcastle were numerous, including his steadfast support of Newcastle Days, where he helped secure sponsorships, promoted local businesses, and brought residents together for the city’s signature event.
Nathan Stix, Chair of the Community Activities Commission, reflected on Tony’s impact, saying, “I had the honor and privilege of volunteering with Tony on the Newcastle Community Activities Commission. I learned a great deal from him in supporting our community and local businesses. Tony and I also enjoyed walking around our great city together and sharing stories and experiences. He was a great friend and will be dearly missed.”
Planning Commissioner Jim Quigg, who worked closely with Tony on many events, shared his thoughts: “Tony loved Newcastle, and he would have stayed here forever if his wonderful, loving family hadn’t needed him in Steilacoom. Even in his final days, he was telling the nurses that he wanted to leave the hospital and go back to Newcastle. But Tony never truly left Newcastle. His legacy will live on for decades through the Tony Ventrella Softball Classic, Boocastle, our Christmas tree lighting, the Tony Awards, and countless other tributes to our beloved friends and neighbors."
"Even after relocating, Tony returned often to help with fundraisers, the Diamond Awards, and community events. We will keep Tony’s spirit alive by helping our neighbors, smiling at strangers, and always looking for the good in others. His last words were, 'I love you,' and he certainly did.”
Tony was recently honored by the Community Activities Commission as one of its 30th Anniversary Community Contributors. You can read his interview, where he reflects on his time in Newcastle, here: 30th Anniversary Community Contributors - Tony Ventrella.
Tony Ventrella is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was 80 years old.