Ernest G.J. Anastos

Ernest (Ernie) George Johannes Anastos, 91, of Belmont, MA, passed away on July 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. Ernie was born in Queens, NY, the proud son of Greek immigrant Peter Anastos and German immigrant Else (Herrmann) Anastos. He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 54 years, Loretta Anastos, and is survived by his daughters, Christine Anastos of Arlington, MA, and Laura Taylor and her husband Christopher, and their children, Alexandria and Anastasia of Lincoln, MA.

Ernie followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in engineering. He received his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in 1955. After graduation, Ernie moved to Boston, where he began a distinguished career in military electronics, working for GTE Sylvania and Raytheon. As a Professional Engineer, his aptitude and dedication to his field were evident throughout his 47-year career. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence were hallmarks of his work. Ernie was known for finding thoughtful solutions to problems and encouraging others to do the same. He was always eager to offer a helping hand and enjoyed mentoring others.

Ernie’s life was marked by a deep devotion to his family and a profound curiosity about the world. His presence was understated but powerful. He was a beloved husband to Loretta, standing by her through her medical challenges with unwavering support until her passing in 2021. Ernie was a very present father throughout his children's lives. He took immense pride in his daughters and cherished the quality time he spent with them, his son-in-law, granddaughters, and close friends.

Ernie’s appreciation for the fine arts and human achievement reflected his well-rounded nature and ongoing thirst for knowledge. He was blessed with a remarkable mind that remained sharp throughout his life, something he worked hard to maintain. Appropriately, he kept the book Ageless Body, Timeless Mind by Deepak Chopra, M.D., by his bedside. It was common to find Ernie deeply engaged in a game of solitaire, engrossed in one of his many Sudoku books, working on challenging puzzles, offering up his backgammon board in search of a worthy opponent, or transfixed to the television during Jeopardy! (while not so secretly rivaling all of the contestants). He was a lifelong learner who loved engaging in conversation, sharing stories, and enriching the lives of others with his knowledge.

Ernie followed in his mother’s footsteps with his passion for travel, taking his family around the world and exposing them to diverse cultures and terrains, and broadening their horizons. He was admired for his humility, intellectual curiosity, and inquisitiveness, as well as his breadth and depth of knowledge. This oftentimes came at a small additional price. When traveling, Ernie would purchase tickets for his family to visit an exhibit or a museum on a particular day, and sometimes he would buy an additional ticket for himself for the day prior to fully appreciate the experience. On occasion, he would act as his family’s tour guide when they joined him the next day and, even then, they rushed him along. Patience was a virtue that Ernie most certainly had. This was coupled with an insatiable desire for knowledge and a compelling need to ensure that everything was in perfect order. Ernie was methodical and intentional. "Slow and steady wins the race" was his mantra.

Ernie enjoyed watching sporting events at the highest levels of competition, whether cheering on the Boston Red Sox and Celtics, watching playoff games, the Olympics, or following the inspiring journey of his eldest granddaughter, his "best friend," who is a competitive Nordic skier, biathlete, and mountain biker. The joy his granddaughters brought to him in his later years was heartwarming. The relationship Ernie had with his youngest granddaughter was priceless, particularly given their 80-year age difference, which neither seemed to mind. They were often found laughing hysterically together. Observing Ernie with his family was like witnessing the purest and most unconditional love. To say he lived for his family would be a vast understatement.

Ernie was truly devoted to the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, becoming involved with the Sunday School program in the early 1970s and serving on the Parish Council for multiple terms in varying positions. He was eventually named an honorary lifetime member of the Parish Council.

On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, there will be a 10:00am visitation and an 11:00am funeral service at the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown, MA. These services will be immediately followed by Ernie’s burial at Belmont Cemetery in Belmont, MA. A celebration of the beautiful lives of both Ernie and Loretta will take place at 1:30pm on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Drive, in Boylston, MA.

Donations in Ernie’s memory can be made to the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church’s Endowment Fund Trust, 25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA  02472, to continue supporting the community he loved so dearly.

May Ernie’s memory be eternal.

To view a livestream of the funeral service, please visit https://www.harborview.live