On Monday, a significant number of mourners gathered to honor the memory of Ernie Anastos, the iconic news anchor of New York City, during his wake. Anastos was remembered as a “well-grounded and lovable” figure in the journalism industry.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle witnessed a steady flow of attendees coming to pay their respects to Anastos, a revered Emmy Award-winning journalist. He was a familiar face on several major city stations, as reported by CBS New York.

Anastos passed away last Thursday due to pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital at the age of 82, as confirmed by his wife to CBS 2.

Throughout his extensive career, Anastos garnered 30 Emmy Awards and nominations. He reported on major events, including the 9/11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, making a lasting impact on the field.

Fondly called “Positively Ernie,” Anastos was a proud Greek-American and a beloved presence on networks like ABC7, CBS2, and Fox 5 NY, according to those who spoke at his wake.

CBS News New York’s northern suburbs reporter, Tony Aiello, remarked to CBS New York, “If there was a Mount Rushmore for news anchors in New York, Ernie would be one of the four faces.”

“He had a smile on his face always. He was tired of bad news, and he would only want to do good news,” businessman John Catsimatidis added. “He was 82 years old, but he didn’t look a day over 62. Everybody loved him.”

The devoted father, brother, and husband who was proud had a second home at the Holy Trinity church, Dino Yotides, vice president of the church’s parish council, told the outlet.

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

“The man you saw on TV, the loving, caring Ernie, is the man who he truly was. For us here at Holy Trinity, he was a parishioner, our friend, and a brother to all of us,” he added.

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