HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jan. 30, 2024) – A long-time sportswriter has passed away.
Leo Martonosi, who had been with the Holland Sentinel for four decades until his retirement in 2009, died this past Sunday at the age of 80 after a lingering illness. A Northwood University graduate, he began his journalism career with the Midland Daily News before coming to the Tulip City, where he was the Sports Editor for a time. He spent the next several years as a part-time reporter for the Allegan County News, and was a weekday commentator for the WHTC Morning News until he stepped down completely in 2022.
Mr. Martonosi was also instrumental in getting sports figures to come to Holland during the Tulip Time Festival due to his contacts in covering games across Michigan. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters, with visitation set for Thursday evening from 5-9 PM at Lakeshore Memorial Services (11939 James St.). A funeral mass is on Friday morning at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church (480 152nd Ave.), with visitation a hour beforehand; burial is set for Graafschap Cemetery.
Had the privilege of working with Leo for two decades. A true journalist. He deserves to be inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. But what I will remember Leo for the most is his witness to our Lord Jesus Christ. And it would be hard to find a better ambassador for Holland. God, Family and Holland was his motto.