Ernie Alexander Anastos

Ernie Anastos passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 12, 2026, at the age of 82. To millions of viewers in the greater New York City area, he was a trusted and iconic television news anchor, but first and foremost he was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather.

Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Ernie showed an early passion for broadcasting, setting up a makeshift radio station in his family basement as a child. He graduated from Northeastern University and began his career in radio in Boston before moving into television. He anchored at WPRI in Providence, Rhode Island, and later became a New York institution, serving at the anchor desks of WABC, WCBS, WWOR, and WNYW. After his television career, he studied leadership and management at Harvard Business School, authored two books, received numerous Emmy awards and nominations, and was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He dedicated decades to countless charitable causes, not for recognition but because they mattered to him. In his later years, he hosted the podcast “Positively Ernie” on 77WABC and the nationally syndicated television show “Positively America,” continuing to spread encouragement and optimism.

Ernie met his wife Kelly at the New Jersey church where her father served as priest. They shared 57 loving years together and raised two children, Nina and Phillip. He was happiest when surrounded by family, whether on beach vacations, at school events, or during holiday gatherings at home. Proud of his Greek heritage, he was an active member of the Greek community in New York, serving as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and a member of Leadership 100. His faith was central to his life, and the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle served as a spiritual home for him and his family. Known for his warm smile, encouraging words, and genuine kindness, Ernie had a remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel valued and uplifted.

He is survived by his loving wife Kelly, his daughter Nina, his son Phillip (Aliki Tompros), his grandchildren Billy, Callie, Katherine, and Alexander, and his sister Georgia Jordan. He was predeceased by his sister Maria Sutherland and his parents Phillip and Alexandra Anastos.