Ernie Anastos Cause of Death: Legendary NYC News Anchor Dies at 82 from Pneumonia

Ernie Anastos, one of the most beloved and decorated television news anchors in New York City history, died Thursday morning, March 12, 2026. He was 82 years old. The cause of death was pneumonia.

Ernie Anastos Cause of Death Confirmed by His Wife

His wife of more than 50 years, Kelly Anastos, confirmed his death and the cause of death as pneumonia. Anastos passed away at Northern Westchester Hospital early Thursday morning, March 12, 2026.

His final public message, posted on social media on March 3, called for truth in journalism. In a video, Anastos spoke about the importance of truth and the need to protect it — a fitting final note from a man who devoted more than four decades to responsible reporting.

A 40-Year Career Across New York's Biggest Newsrooms

Ernie Anastos was a familiar face for New York City television viewers for more than 40 years. A native of New Hampshire, he got his start in broadcasting after graduating from Northeastern University with a degree in sociology, working as a news reporter for radio stations in Boston before moving to WPRI-TV in Providence, where he got his break as a news anchor.

He started in 1978 anchoring newscasts for ABC7, with PIX11's Kaity Tong, before moving to CBS 2, UPN 9, and Fox. He most recently hosted a WABC radio show and two syndicated television shows — Positively Ernie and Positively America.

In 2005, he signed a landmark $10 million contract with WNYW-TV Fox 5, cementing his legendary status. He remained a fixture on Fox 5 News until his departure in June 2019 for further education, enrolling at Harvard Business School to study leadership and management.

More Than 30 Emmy Awards and a Day Named in His Honor

Anastos received more than 30 Emmy Awards and nominations throughout his career, including Best Newscast in New York. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio honored the anchor by declaring every March 21 to be Ernie Anastos Day in New York City.

Anastos covered some of America's most defining moments, including the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, the death of John Lennon, and the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a voice of stability during unprecedented crisis for generations of New York viewers.

Tributes Pour In from New York Broadcasting Community

Newscaster Tina Cervasio wrote that the world lost a light in Ernie Anastos, calling him an icon who shaped New York television news into what it is today. She remembered their deep conversations and how he always encouraged her to continue her education on things outside of broadcasting.

A colleague from WCBS said Ernie was beloved and always positive, that he never lost his passion and was never cynical, treating every day like it was his first on the job, and that everyone who knew him loved him in return.

Ernie Anastos Is Survived By His Wife and Two Children

Ernie Anastos is survived by his wife Kelly Anastos and two children. He was also the first Greek-American television news anchorman in United States history — a pioneering distinction that added a layer of cultural significance to a career already filled with firsts and milestones. Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced.