Ernie Anastos, a revered figure in American broadcast journalism and a beloved New York icon, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 82, at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York. His wife, Kelly, confirmed the cause of death as pneumonia. His passing marked the end of an illustrious career spanning nearly five decades, during which he became one of New York City's most recognizable and trusted news anchors, with CBS News New York's Tony Aiello suggesting he belongs on a "Mount Rushmore for news anchors in New York." Anastos was celebrated for his distinctive on-air presence, his commitment to delivering impactful stories, and his pioneering role as the first Greek-American news anchorman in the United States.

Born on July 12, 1943, in Nashua, New Hampshire, Ernest Alexander Anastos grew up in a multigenerational Greek household, deeply influenced by his Hellenic heritage and Orthodox faith. His paternal grandfather, Fr. Anastasios Anastasiou, was among the first Greek Orthodox priests ordained in America, a legacy that profoundly shaped Anastos's life. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Northeastern University in Boston, where he was a Phi Kappa Phi honoree and later served on the university board. Demonstrating a lifelong dedication to learning, he later pursued leadership and management courses at Harvard Business School.

Anastos embarked on his broadcasting path in radio, working at WRKO and WROR in Boston under the pseudonym Ernie Andrews. He transitioned to television in 1976, becoming an anchor at WPRI-TV in Providence, Rhode Island. His career in New York City began in 1978 when he joined WABC/7, quickly establishing himself as a prominent voice in the competitive media landscape. He went on to anchor evening news broadcasts at four of New York's flagship network stations: WABC/7, WCBS/2, WWOR/9 (formerly UPN 9, now My9), and FOX 5, a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal.

Throughout his distinguished career, Ernie Anastos covered many of the most significant events of his era, reporting with a blend of professionalism and empathy that resonated deeply with viewers. He anchored the night WABC-TV confirmed the death of John Lennon in 1980 and provided continuous reporting on the tragic death of John F. Kennedy Jr., earning an Emmy nomination. He also covered the death and funeral of Princess Diana, the tragic 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His international reporting included coverage from Cuba during the Fidel Castro era in 2004, and he interviewed U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Beyond the anchor desk, Anastos was a successful entrepreneur and storyteller. He owned AM and FM radio stations in New York State and New England through the Anastos Media Group, ran his own television production company, launched an online youth channel, and published newspapers and magazines. He hosted the nationally syndicated television show "Positively America" and a popular talk show on WABC (770 AM) titled "Positively Ernie," both of which aimed to inform, educate, and inspire with a consistent positive approach to storytelling. Anastos also extended his influence through authorship, penning career and educational books for young readers, including "Twixt: Teens Yesterday and Today," which was featured at the Smithsonian Museum's bookstore. He even made on-camera appearances as himself in several Hollywood films, including 'Independence Day,' 'Summer of Sam,' 'Run All Night,' and 'The Yards.'

Throughout his distinguished career, Ernie Anastos earned numerous accolades, including more than 30 Emmy Awards and nominations, among them honors for "Best Newscast in New York" and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for broadcast excellence. He was also a recipient of a Lifetime Emmy Award, recognizing his significant and lasting contributions to television journalism. Further honors included the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce's New Yorker of the Year Award, and induction into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He also received honorary doctorate degrees from several institutions, including Marist College, Sacred Heart University, and New York Institute of Technology. His impact on New York City was formally recognized in 2017 when Mayor Bill de Blasio declared March 21 as "Ernie Anastos Day."

Ernie Anastos resided in Armonk, New York, for many years, becoming an integral part of the Westchester County community. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Kelly Anastos; their daughter, Nina, who worked with him on his media ventures; their son, Phillip; and four beloved grandchildren. Deeply involved with the Greek Orthodox community, he served as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle, N.Y., tirelessly advocating for Hellenism.

His legacy is one of journalistic integrity, community engagement, and a warm, authoritative presence that made him a beloved figure in millions of homes. Tributes poured in, with CBS News stating he was "beloved" and "always positive," and Fox5NY highlighting his "voice, integrity, and lasting impact." Newscaster Tina Cervasio called him an "icon" who shaped New York Television News, while Archbishop Elpidophoros of America emphasized Anastos' Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage. Colleagues consistently praised his warmth, humility, and positive demeanor. His death sparked widespread remembrance, including the resurfacing of his notable 2009 on-air mishap, the "keep f***ing that chicken" comment, which fans recalled as one of the funniest moments in news. His final social media message on March 3, just days before his passing, called for truth in journalism, a fitting final note from a man who dedicated his career to responsible reporting. He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his unwavering positive outlook and dedication to public service.