Tony Ventrella

The late Tony Ventrella was not your typical sportscaster. Over an Emmy-winning local career spanning four decades, he worked at all four Seattle TV stations, and for Sounders FC and the Seattle Seahawks. He also was a barber. And a tongue-in-cheek promoter of pro wrestling. He had an endearing optimism to go with a quirky sense of humor, plus boundless energy for helping others. After he died in 2024, the state legislature and Seattle sports team hailed him as a community treasure. He left this advice for life: “Learn all you can from others, help as many as you can, never take yourself too seriously and, no matter what, keep smiling.” He was, in a word, unforgettable.