Ernie Anastos was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known. Like so many others, I am heartbroken by his loss.
In the early years of my professional broadcast career, Ernie and I worked together on-air at Fox 5 NY. During that time he was my biggest cheerleader, my coach, my colleague, and most importantly, my friend. He would give notes on my segments to help me improve. When he saw me struggling with the teleprompter foot pedal early on, he quietly offered to run it for me from the anchor desk so I could focus on getting through my segments. (It was our secret.)
After the show we would often grab coffee or ice cream, or just sit and talk. Sometimes he would drive me home because the conversation was, “too good to end.”
To watch Ernie work was to witness a true master. He defined professionalism. And, every time I watched him work, I learned something new. He made broadcasting look effortless.
Ernie had a kind of magic about him. He took me under his wing at a time when I really needed someone to guide me. I never had to ask. Ernie just knew.
My heart goes out to Kelly and to his entire family. We have lost an irreplaceable force for kindness and positivity. Rest in peace, my friend. Αιωνία η μνήμη. (May his memory be eternal.)