Ernie Anastosthe beloved and legendary news anchor, children’s author and TV presenter, died earlier this week. He was 82 years old. Having worked at numerous news stations throughout his career, including ABC 7 Eyewitness News and WCBS, Anastos has become a prominent figure in the news. As a dedicated anchor, the late New Hampshire native worked until the end of his life.
Anastos’ family confirmed his death on March 12 to multiple media outlets.
Here’s what we know about Anastos’s final days as his inner circle and colleagues mourned him.
Who was Ernie Anastos?
Anastos was a widely regarded newscaster. He has worked at My9, ABC 7 Eyewitness News, CBS 2, and FOX 5 throughout his career. His peers from the news industry praised him for truthful statements, including Eyewitness News. Bill Ritter.
“It was something unique, and no matter what your politics, Ernie was trusted,” Ritter said. “Reporting the news – reporting the truth and the facts – that’s what Ernie believes in.”
Ernie Anastos, the iconic New York anchor who spent 11 years at WABC-TV, has died at the age of 82 https://t.co/duBC7ZUsBM pic.twitter.com/PWuUtmfmBo
– Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) March 12, 2026
On CBS, Tony Aiello He praised Anastos’ work ethic and legacy. “If there was a Mount Rushmore for New York newscasters, Ernie would be one of the four faces,” Aiello said. “He worked at four stations. He got along well with every co-anchor he was assigned because he was very professional.”
CBS News New York Marcia Kramer She recalled how Anastos welcomed her into the television side of the industry.
“When I switched from print to TV, I was terrified, terrified to go on set,” Kramer recalls. “So he knew that and he would hand me a rose, throw a pencil at me, and one time, throw a paper clip at me. All to make me believe I wouldn’t die and fall to the ground.”
How did Ernie Anastos die? Cause of his death
Anastos’ wife, Kelly, said he died of pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York on March 11, 2026.
