Hundreds Mourn Legendary NYC News Anchor Ernie Anastos

The wake for the beloved Emmy Award-winning journalist drew large crowds to pay respects.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:25am

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Hundreds of mourners attended the wake for legendary New York City news anchor Ernie Anastos, who died at age 82 of pneumonia. Anastos was described as a 'well-grounded and lovable' fixture at various local TV networks over his decades-long career, earning 30 Emmy Awards and nominations. Loved ones and colleagues praised Anastos' positive on-air presence and impact on the industry.

Why it matters

Ernie Anastos was a revered figure in New York City news media, known for his long career, awards, and beloved on-air personality. His passing marks the end of an era for local news in the city, as he was considered one of the 'Mount Rushmore' figures of NYC news anchors.

The details

The wake for Anastos was held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle, where he was a parishioner. Hundreds of people attended to pay their respects to the trusted voice who covered major events like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Anastos was described by loved ones as 'well-grounded and lovable,' with a positive attitude that made him a fixture at ABC7, CBS2, and Fox 5 NY over the decades.

  • Ernie Anastos died early Thursday of pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital at age 82.
  • The wake for Anastos was held on Monday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle.
  • Anastos' funeral will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday morning.

The players

Ernie Anastos

A legendary New York City news anchor who had a decades-long career, earning 30 Emmy Awards and nominations, and was known for his positive on-air presence.

Tony Aiello

A CBS News New York northern suburbs reporter who said that if there was a 'Mount Rushmore for news anchors in New York, Ernie would be one of the four faces.'

John Catsimatidis

A businessman who said Anastos 'was 82 years old, but he didn't look a day over 62. Everybody loved him.'

Dino Yotides

The vice president of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church parish council, who described Anastos as a 'well-grounded and lovable person' and a 'parishioner, our friend, and a brother to all of us.'

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What they’re saying

“If there was a Mount Rushmore for news anchors in New York, Ernie would be one of the four faces.”

— Tony Aiello, CBS News New York northern suburbs reporter (CBS New York)

“He had a smile on his face always. He was tired of bad news, and he would only want to do good news.”

— John Catsimatidis, Businessman (CBS New York)

“Just a well-grounded and lovable person. Positively Ernie was Ernie for us here at Holy Trinity.”

— Dino Yotides, Vice president of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church parish council (CBS New York)

What’s next

Ernie Anastos' funeral will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday morning.

The takeaway

Ernie Anastos' passing marks the end of an era for local news in New York City, as he was considered one of the most revered and beloved news anchors in the city's history, known for his positive on-air presence and decades-long career spanning multiple networks.