NYC News Anchor Ernie Anastos’ Cause of Death Revealed

Ernie Anastos’ Cause of Death and Legacy in NYC News

Ernie Anastos, a celebrated New York City news anchor whose career spanned over four decades, has passed away at the age of 82. According to his wife, Kelly Anastos, the iconic broadcaster died from pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York. His death marks the end of an era for NYC journalism, where Anastos was a household name and a trusted voice for millions of viewers.

Throughout his career, Ernie Anastos was known for his calm demeanor, professionalism, and dedication to delivering news with integrity. His work covered some of the most significant events in recent history, including the deaths of Princess Diana and John F. Kennedy Jr., the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to report on these moments with compassion and clarity earned him widespread respect and admiration.

A Storied Career in Broadcasting

Ernie Anastos began his broadcasting journey in 1978 at ABC 7, where he quickly became a familiar face to New Yorkers. After leaving ABC in 1989, he joined CBS 2, later moving to WWOR in 1997 before returning to CBS in 2001. In 2005, he started working at Fox 5 NY alongside co-anchor Rosanna Scotto, a partnership that lasted until around 2020.

During his illustrious career, Anastos earned over 30 Emmy Awards and nominations, including a prestigious Lifetime Emmy Award. He was also honored with the Edward R. Murrow Award for broadcast excellence, a testament to his outstanding contributions to journalism. Beyond awards, his influence extended to mentoring younger journalists and setting high standards in news reporting.

In his later years, Ernie pursued leadership management studies at Harvard Business School, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth and excellence beyond the newsroom.

Tributes from Colleagues and Family

Rosanna Scotto, Ernie’s former co-anchor at Fox 5 NY, expressed her sorrow and admiration in an exclusive statement. She described him as a “terrific newsman—compassionate and fair” and credited him with teaching her how to remain composed under pressure and the importance of community service. Scotto said, “I loved working with him. We are all heartbroken to hear that he’s passed.”

Another colleague, Teresa Priolo, paid tribute on Facebook, affirming that every positive thing said about Ernie was true and more. She called him the “heart of our newsroom” and highlighted his pride in his children and grandchildren.

Ernie Anastos married Kelly in November 1968, and together they had two children, Philip and Nina. He is also survived by four grandchildren, who were a source of immense pride and joy for him.

Remembering Ernie Anastos: A Pillar of NYC Journalism

Ernie Anastos’ passing is a significant loss to the New York City media community and viewers who relied on his trusted reporting. His dedication to truthful, compassionate journalism set a high bar for news anchors everywhere. As the city mourns his death, his legacy continues through the countless stories he told and the standards he upheld.

For those interested in learning more about Ernie Anastos’ life and career, numerous retrospectives and tributes are available, celebrating his impact on broadcast journalism.

Conclusion

Ernie Anastos’ cause of death from pneumonia has been confirmed, but his legacy as a pioneering NYC news anchor lives on. His remarkable career, numerous accolades, and heartfelt tributes from colleagues and family highlight the profound influence he had on journalism and the community. To honor his memory and stay updated on similar news stories, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow our latest updates.