Local News

Viewers' Comments On Randy Salerno - Part 3

 Send Us Your Memories Of Randy

Viewers share their thoughts and memories of CBS 2 Morning anchor Randy Salerno, who passed away in a snowmobiling accident late Thursday night.

I didn't know Randy personally but from what I heard from colleagues in the business Randy sounded like someone you would be lucky to know! Randy was a pleasure to watch on WGN and WBBM. I am so sorry for your loss. It is everybody's loss! My thoughts and prayers are with Randy and his family. -- Tony Kwiecinski  of WCRX Columbia College

I feel as though I've lost a member of my own family. Waking up to see Randy on CBS every day was a true joy. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. My heart is broken. I know I'm not the only one. -- Judy Sarmiento, Chicago

I admired Randy very much, even though I never met him, I felt as if I knew him as I watched him on the 11 am news. And yes his sense of humor was one of his greatest gifts. I feel such sadness and express much sympathy to his immediate family, his news family and his many friends all who will miss him deeply. You all are in my prayers, as I know God will strenghten you and be with you during this time of grief. I too feel as if I lost a friend.-- Juanita Jarrett

I heard the news today and my families sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Randy Salerno. I grew up in Crystal Lake myself and went to school for awhile with Randy. I often got the chance to listen to him on both TV and radio over the years, and enjoyed his work. It was nice to see someone on the news come across as a regular guy, and I believe if my memory is correct, he wasn't much different on air as he was growing up, and in person. Our sincere condolences. -- The Randy Tipps family of Woodstock, IL

I have to say I was completely shocked to hear of the passing of Randy. I loved watching him on channel 9 and when he moved to channel 2 with Roseanne I also did the same. It is now the only news station I watch. I will definitely miss seeing his smiling face every day. My condolences to his family and to you all his TV family. -- Nichole Henry of Lockport

I am so sorry to hear this news!! What a shock. What a tragic loss for everyone. He was just such a vibrant and wonderful news person. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to the family and to the Channel 2 news team. -- Rachel Lipson of Chicago

Hard to belive that Randy has left us on this Earth and especially Chicago. As a lifelong CBS2 Chicago fan I was very proud he got the opportunity to work as an anchor on the morning newscast and he was a lot of fun to watch and his talent was outstanding and a very well liked gentleman. His hometown of Crystal Lake should have somthing renamed in Randy Salerno's honor. -- Dan Rakow of West Chicago,IL

We are so saddened by Randy's death. He coached our daughter's 10U softball team this past summer and was a great coach to all the girls on the team. I remember him high-fiving the girls when they got on base and saying "Great job." It is so hard for us to believe he is gone. Our hearts go out to the Salerno family. We will miss him at the ball diamond.-- The Cesario family

He was the reason I watched the news in the morning...he will be greatly missed. -- Christine from Crystal Lake

It is with great sorrow that I write this...I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed watching Randy every morning at work. I am a paramedic with a fire department in the western suburbs, and we've watched Randy every morning for several years. I always looked forward to seeing what he was up to that day. The firefighters and paramedics are very shocked and deeply saddened by Randy's passing. We will remember him fondly, and pray that his family and members of both WGN and CBS news teams will get through this tragedy. God Bless. -- Jennifer King

We watch your show every morning while getting ready for work. We were shocked and very saddened to hear the tragic news about Randy. Randy, Susan, Roseann, and Ed are like a family, always teasing each other and making us all laugh. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children and all the CBS family. We will miss his sense of humor and his smile that always started our day. Thanks Randy. -- Jean

We had the great opportunity to be onboard the CBS 2 morning cruise back on Aug. 4, 2006. Randy also presented our Halloween and Christmas Displays on TV. As a future interest in broadcast meteorology, Randy took the time to email me many times on answers, tips, etc. about any questions I had about how the media works, etc. -- Thomas Nava

I just found out about the tragic death of one of Chicago's finest news anchor persons, Randy Salerno. I along with my family send our deep felt condolences to the Chicago CBS 2 news family and more importantly Mr. Salerno's family. He was taken way too soon. -- the Johnson family of South Holland, IL

Wow. I cannot believe one of my favorite newscasters is gone! I wake up to Rosanne, Randy, Susan, and Ed each morning ! They all had such a great rapport with one another!! I really look forward to seeing him and the gang each morning. Sad to see him gone. My thoughts and prayers go out to his co-workers and his entire family and friends. -- Lawrence Cunningham

My thoughts and prayers are with the Salerno family and all of his colleagues. I had the pleasure of meeting Randy at a gathering in Crystal Lake a few years back. Among other things, he shared his story of appearing in the movie "Primal Fear" with Richard Gere. Instantly, his engaging personality filled the air around the bonfire as he humored us with the making of the movie, working with the actors and how he would still occasionally get small residual checks years later. To those who were there, that moment was less about the movie story and more about what kind of person Randy was – friendly, full of life, and captivating. Clearly, what viewers saw through their television sets was true and genuine. God Bless. -Michael F., Huntley

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to all of you at CBS, and to the family of Randy Salerno. Although I wasn't able to watch the morning news as often since my change to the second shift, I remember fondly, many a morning of laughter and joy because of this amazing individual. Randy could change my sober mood into a giggle fit in no time. On many mornings, my son would call me to make sure I was watching, and we'd laugh together while Randy had his co-workers in stitches on the air.

I'm sitting here watching the many tributes to Randy Salerno...which are not limited to Channel 2...and in the midst of my tears, I am again finding myself laughing at the wonderful memories being shared. I will miss this man, as much as I know all of you will. The void left by his passing will take a long time to be filled...if it ever truly is. Rest In Peace, Randy Salerno, and thank you so much for spending some time with us along your journey through life. You informed us and made us laugh, even when we sometimes didn't want to laugh. Now it's time for you to make God and his angels laugh...and I know you will! -- Susan Kroeger of Berwyn, IL

My name is Lynne, and I am a captioner for your station and have been for at least five years. In that time, I have seen talent come and go. Many times, an anchor will pop up on a nearby station, and you don't feel like you have "lost" them. This time, it is entirely different. I live in San Diego, so to caption your 5 a.m. newscast, I am up at 2 a.m. It is never a happy time when that alarm clock goes off, but when I heard Randy saying it was 4:59, I knew it was going to be a pretty darned good day. I sat here laughing my way through the dark morning hours thinking what a great way to make a living!

All this time I thought I had the most superb sense of humor because I "got" Randy. Surely not everyone understood his jokes; right? Well, captioning your 11 a.m. news honoring him, I realized of course everyone shared in his rare gift. My heart goes out to his wife and kids, his family, but also to Roseanne Tellez, Ed Curran, and Susan Carlson, his other family. They are an unbeatable team now forever changed. I am crying for the loss of Randy Salerno, and I was never even honored with having met him. From the exchange of emails among WBBM captioners, I am not alone in grieving for him. What an extraordinary gift he had, to move complete strangers to tears. -- Lynne Laughlin, Closed Captioner

I just found out about Randy's death and I can't believe it. He was so funny and I really looked forward to seeing him in the a.m. I am so sad and shocked. I loved his dry sense of humor, and everyone on the news team seemed to adore him. I'm so sorry for his family's loss. He was very special. -- Liz Connolley of Gary, Ind.

It is a sad day in Chicagoland to hear the news of Randy. I was sitting there just as stunned as Vince was as he told us the sad news at the end of the morning show. I could hear it in Vince's voice that he, along with all of us, will miss Randy. It is a nice honor to have him on your front page news as he was a class act and one that will not be copied. I, for one, will miss his unique way of bringing humor to an insane world. His sarcasm was the best in bringing the news to life. Whoever follows up in his chair will never compare to the way Randy made us all laugh. -- Brian Kingsley

When I just heard the news, I was stunned. He's the only newsperson that I met face to face! Back in 2006 when he's doing a charity event at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, his charming smile was so genuine. That was a poker tournamanet and he was the host for the silent auction. During the game break, he walked by our table and chatted with every player. I'll miss him and wish he's in a better place. -- a parent at Healy School

I have to admit that I am a TODAY show fan and would switch over to NBC at 7. But when I got up at 6 a.m. I always looked for Randy's smile and his realistic yet postive apporach to our Chicagoland world. He was something very special. Being from the U.P. of Michigan I know both the joy and the dangers of snowmobiling. He touched many lives in many ways. -- Bruce Haapalainen of Highland, Ind.

Simply put, we watched him, and the rest of the team each morning.
We feel like we lost a member of our family, too. -- Dave Kingsbury

I am still in shock! When Randy and Roseanne moved to channel 2, I moved with them. Although there are many talented people in this field, Randy Salerno had that something special that drew you to him. His outstanding personality, charm, and intelligence even caught on to my children. Even though I did not know him personally, he had that something that made you feel like you did. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Randy and Roseanne, (and the morning cast) you were and still will be, the best news team in this world. -- Mary Eliopoulos

I cannot believe what a shock I felt when I turned on Ch. 2 to catch the news and was puzzled to see "something" else, then my stomach dropped when I realized that everyone was talking about Randy in the past tense. I am so saddened by his untimely, tragic loss and can only imagine what his poor family and all of you at the station must be going through. The blessing I see, is that because of his vibrant, witty, and hysterically funny personality, it must be some comfort to have those many memories. He will be so missed by all. -- John and Wendy Scatchell

I am saddened and shocked by the news this morning of Randy's death. Although I was not on the morning news team as often, the amazing demeanor of Randy both on and off the camera was most impressionable even if you did not have daily contact with him. The high stress environment of news is difficult at times, and I can vividly recall Randy's humor and smile in the halls of CBS. His smile and laugher was infectious just walking by him and it was a pleasure to have worked with him, and was a model on human kindness in difficult circumstances. My prayers go out to his family. -- Joshua Nard former Broadcast Designer CBS 2 Chicago

Hey Randy. Thanks for being my friend and lending an ear when I needed a good freind to talk to. You were a good buddy and a lot of fun to hang around. God Bless and I know you are in a better place and will be watching over me. -- Gregory Walsh

I am a seventh grade teacher in Crystal Lake's Lundahl Middle School. Randy Salerno was a graduate of this school. In fact, he gave a motivational speech to our students at the start of the school year several years ago. We were all so proud of our local "son." The entire school community is grieving. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Salerno family. -- Beverly Stewart

This bright sunny morning has turned to gray for all Chicagoans, having heard of the passing of Randy Salerno. Being a news addict, I watched Randy daily. Like so many others, I enjoyed Randy's wonderful dry sense of humor that put a smile on our faces and a laugh in our hearts, often times, we most needed it. What strikes me the most on this terribly sad day is the appearance of all of his TV colleagues. The redness of the eyes, the break in the voice and the tell tale shock when one of you says - I can't believe this is happening. To use Randy's name in the past tense just doesn't seem real to any of us. My condolences to all of you who knew and enjoyed Randy for all the precious days you had him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers on this sad and bleek day. -- Linda Ford-Bowers

My husband and I were in such shock to hear the news this morning. We love watching the banter of the morning news team and it's the first thing that goes on after the alarm goes off. We ALWAYS noticed when Randy wasn't there and did this morning…then we heard the news. I can't imagine not hearing his jokes and the giggles from Roseanne, Susan, Ed that follow anymore. We will miss his wit and engaging personality sooooo much. We give our deepest sympathy, support and prayer to his family and the CBS news family. -- Anson and Carol Mount in Algonquin

Dear Roseanne,
I am so sorry to hear about Randy. It was so obvious you two were good friends. I was so sad when you both left WGN because I loved the chemistry you all had together. You always seemed to have so much fun together. It was great to see you and Randy together again at channel 2. You and Randy are so genuine. You don't see a lot of that in the news. I really appreciate your style. We, as viewers, will miss Randy but that does not even compare to how much you will miss your friend. I am very sorry. It is a sad day. May God bless you. My heart goes out to his wife and children. I can not even imagine how devastated they are feeling. --Suzanne

My heart goes out to Randy's family. I just put the TV on and the death of Randy was the first thing reported. I am in shock, and I will miss watching him every morning. This man was the total package. Like so many I also watched him on Channel 9 and moved to Channel 2 with Randy. He could do it all. It is not going to be the same watching the morning news without RANDY SALERNO, one of the VERY BEST in the business. -- Linda Robin of Buffalo Grove

The sudden loss of Randy is a tragedy. He will be missed by countless people in all walks of life. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and to all those who knew him, persnally, and everyone that worked with him. As a viewer, I am saddened that we have lost an important part of Chicago; he was an asset to society leaving us at such a young age. I am impressed with Randy's eyes; the window to his heart and soul, show me that he was a kind, caring and compassionate human being. For me personally, the details and location of the accident that ended Randy's life in Eagle River Wisconsin, my former home town as a young child in the late 1950's to mid 1960's, makes his passing even harder to accept or forget. -- Sylvia Rudek of Mount Prospect, Ill.

Randy Salerno will definitely be missed. The first thing I did when I awoke each morning was turn on the Channel 2 news, even before I made my coffee. Randy had the ability to present us with the serious news as well as make us laugh. His sense of humor and his camaraderie with the other members of the Channel 2 morning news team made the start of each day special. My thoughts go out to his family, friends, and coworkers. He brightened many lives. -- Maureen O'Donnell of Waukegan

Randy had a great laugh! He made everyone laugh and he always would find these hilarious web sites! He would share with us on the air in the morning!  But have to say he will sure be missed! You never know what Randy would do or say next and loved it when he showed us his house in Crystal Lake and he had his dog out with him on his front walk with all the snow. He was a true family man and loved his life and it showed!--Victoria Blume

Every weekday I watched the 11 o'clock news, just to hear what Randy was going to say that day, and to see the wonderful relationship and humor he had with Rosanne and Ed. He was a one-of-a kind guy that always brightened up everyone's day. He will always be missed. --Ja'Quee Leonard

He had such a great laid-back demeanor and terrific sense of humor.
Being a fan from years ago on WGN and hoping to see him take the top spot at that station, I was thrilled when he moved to CBS2. He will be missed and remembered. -- Greg Anderson

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Randy's death. I really enjoyed watching him in the morning and just loved his sense of humor. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. We will truly miss him. --Sally Jones

Like everyone else this morning, I was shocked and saddened at the news of Randy's passing. I was always a fan of his on Ch. 9 – he was the perfect compliment to the Morning Show when he filled in! And he brought a new air of class to Ch. 2 while he anchored their newscast. There aren't too many anchormen/women in Chicago who I really enjoy watching – but he was definitely one of them! I loved his sense of humor, his professionalism, his on-air personality….he will be missed by many. My heart goes out to his family, friends & co-workers. I'm positive he brought much joy to the lives of those around him, and his memory will continue to do so. -- Jill Conces of Palos Hills, IL

I'm so very, very sorry for your/our loss. I was so saddened to hear the report about Randy this morning as I turned on the news. Sometimes we just don't realize how much someone effects our life until there gone. What a great loss for all of us. Thanks for doing such a great tribute for him. -- Nancy Venet

I followed Randy from channel 9 to channel 2 news. He always brought a smile to my face and when he teamed up with Roseanne, they really made a great team. I was so deeply saddened by his death and he will be so missed by his viewers. His realism and honesty made him a legend. I deepest sympathy is with his family and his friends at channel 2 and channel 9. Your deep sadness is felt by all of the viewers in Chicago, he is a deep loss for all. -- Kathy Brakebill of Warremville, Ill.

My heart goes out to his wife and children and his extended family at CBS. Especially to Roseanne, who worked with him both at CBS and WGN. I watched the 11am news whenever I could. I loved Randy's presence. Roseanne and Randy worked so well together - they really meshed and that made me drawn to CBS. Randy will greatly be missed. --Marie

My husband I are very saddened by this awful news, we can hardly believe it. It is a terrible tragedy to have such a young, vibrant life ended way before it's time. We didn't know him personally but it feels that way, every morning for years we awoke to his wit, charm and lovable sarcasm. We will miss waking up to him every morning, we will remember him every morning, from this day on mornings will never be the same. Randy will be mourned by millions who thought of him as a part of their family, millions will wake up every day missing him. Our hearts go out to Randy's family and friends.This is a terrible loss for all. -- Laura and Ted of Arlington Heights, Ill.

I'm stunned. What a charmer he was! We just knew he would end up in Chicago. He was Chicago! And I'm so happy he got to share his talent in the market that was home to him. I got to work with him at WMBD-TV in Peoria. I wasn't part of the ISU bunch, but they brought me into their wonderful circle of friends and that meant a lot to this young upstart reporter. We didn't keep in touch, but a mutual friend called me with the news. I'm sad to know he's gone. He's the kind of guy you remember forever. My hope is his family will feel God's comfort and love. Thanks for letting me share. -- Pam Elliot

My thoughts and prayers are with Randy family. I am saddened by this tragic accident. I also pray for the family of the other person involve in this accident may they find comfort in God. I will miss him when I tune to Channel 2.-- Carmen Rodriguez

I was sad to hear about the loss of a great man. Randy Salerno was a very nice man. I sold him dress shirts at my previous job, and what a great guy to work with. I enjoyed watching him on Channel 9, when he switched over to Channel 2, I watch him and Roseanne Tellez. What a pair they were. Thank you for so many wonderful days of making me smile. Chicago will miss you, I will miss you. -- Shawn Boyle

I will miss Randy. I watch Channel 2 news every morning before leaving for work. I did not hear until lunch time today of his passing. I feel as if I lost one of my own family members. I really enjoyed listening to the news cast with Randy, Roseanne and the entire morning team. My husband just came back from a four day weekend last week snowmobiling up in Eagle River. I will keep him and his family in my prayers. My heart goes out to his wife Irene. Randy you will be missed. So, so sorry. --Mary C. LaVigna

I just wanted to write and share my thoughts after my mother called me today about Randy's death. I grew up living across the street from Randy. Randy,my late brother Jim and I spent many,many summer days playing baseball in our backyard. I have so many great memories of him,he was a quiet but determined kid, always smiling and having a good time.This is a tragedy that shakes me to my core. When I had a quiet moment to reflect on this sad news, I found my mind wondering back to the all those great days of fun in the backyard. Its a tragic reminder to me how fragile life is. Now I have lost the two people I spent so many hours with as a kid, having lost my brother Jim in a car accident 17 years ago. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children and to his wonderful parents Don & Donna who treated me so kindly growing up. May the good Lord hold them close in their time of grief and sorrow. --Kevin Pobursky of
Mount Joy, Pennsylvania

I was so saddened to hear of this loss. I heard it on the radio coming to work and I cried. Randy always made me laugh. I start every day with CBS 2 and Randy was part of that reason. My heart goes out to you all there and his family. May your many memories bring you comfort at this time. It is a GREAT loss for everyone. -- Suellen Bottomley

I was stunned when I heard the news. He was truly a "gentleman" in all the sense of the word. I am going to miss his great sense of humor, it was a nice way to start my morning. Please extend my condolences to the family and co-workers. He is truly going to be missed. --Sharon of Wheaton

The most memorable thing that I remember about Randy was when I was walking around downtown Chicago last summer wearing a Nebraska football t-shirt and he came up to me and said "How well do you think they're going to do?" I think we had a five minute conversation about football especially about Nebraska. I'll never forget that. -Erik Burkhart in Lincoln, Nebraska

I am truly saddened by the lost of Randy Salero. I've never met him in person, but the wonderful memories that everyone has shared makes me feel as If he was a personal friend of mine. It says a lot when so many people are able to say such wonderful things about one person. Randy Salerno is a man of honor, in-which many will treasure in their hearts for a life time. To his family, " You all have so many great memories to help ease your pain. May God bless each of you forever and always, until you see his face again." -- Jeannetta Montgomery

It was truly horrible to read the news of Randy's passing; I did not hear of the tragic (event) until I got into work this morning but I did wonder where he was this morning and why the whole team looked so somber as I watched them this morning as I do every morning (frankly because of Randy). Randy's sense of humor & quick wit was always a welcomed start to my day (the funniest memory was when he brought up the "Hillary Clinton nut cracker" I could see that he wanted to say so much more than he did and just to see him trying to hold back was truly funny); I started watching him on Channel 9 and when he left I did not know he had gone to Channel 2, so I started watching Channel 7 in the morning until I stumbled upon him on Channel 2, I've been tuned in ever since. My prayers are with his wife, children, immediate family and his Channel 2 family; it is a horrible, horrible loss! -- Andrea V. Talamantes

What a terrible loss...our family participated in the CBS2 Breakfast Cruise in August of 2006. We had the privilege of meeting Randy and your crew and were awed by his personality and his genuine affection for his fans. His dry sense of humor and general good guy presence will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his family and the CBS2 team. -- Ed Santore and family

My Husband and I feel we have lost a friend in the morning. Our hearts go out to his family and co workers. We will miss him. -- Sharen & Richard Greene of Valparaiso

I am a former CBS2 intern for Dorothy Tucker from the spring of 2007. Randy Salerno is one of the people who stand out most to me when I think about my time at CBS2. My desk in the newsroom was just across from where he would come and shoot teases for the news or the web edition of the Northwest Herald which CBS2 did at the time. He would always call us "vice-presidents" instead of interns. Every time he would come in he'd say "have the vice-presidents taken over yet" and then proceed to give us some crazy words of wisdom or advice that was always extremely funny. I also remember the morning show producer asking me to come in and input and control the travel times on the morning show for a week while Susan was out. I remember sitting at the computer back in weather control and listening to the things Randy would be saying during commercials or while Kristyn was doing a live shot and I just remember laughing and always leaving with a smile on my face after every morning show. I am in Yakima, Washington now where I will begin my first job as a reporter at the NBC station here on Monday. When I heard the news from back home I was shocked and deeply saddened. I will be thinking about Randy and taking cues from his excellent career when I begin reporting on Monday here in Yakima. My thoughts and prayers are with Randy's family and everyone in the newsroom at CBS2.
--Drew Gardner

I am devastated about the tragic loss of Randy Salerno. Randy made the news so enjoyable and I truly looked forward to turning on Channel 2 in the morning. The chemistry among Randy, Roseanne, Ed, and Susan was fabulous. Although I never met Randy in person, I feel like I have lost a good friend today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. My mom is Randy's daughter's school teacher and her class was so sad to hear the news this morning. We are all thinking about the Salerno family on this very sad day. Randy will be deeply missed. God bless. -- Amanda Buda, Crystal Lake

I was shocked when I heard of the news , I am still shocked!! My prayers go to his wife and children , his family and his family In CBS 2,This man was wonderful to watch, He made the news so interesting to watch , I will run to turn Tv on just to see what he was up tp next. I can't stop crying although I didn't know him personaly, but we make the news reporters like our own family, by just turning the TV on and watching our favorite people , we bring them into our homes. He will be missed so very much. Randy you were the best!! I know you are in heaven now, and you will be a guardian angel to those that have loved you so very much. -- Ginny

Although I am a Channel 9 viewer, I wanted to send my condolences to Randy's co-workers, family, and friends. I enjoyed watching Randy and Roseanne when they were on 9, and loved the chemistry between them. He seemed such a genuine person, that viewers felt they knew him. --Julie Jones

Randy was an absolute joy to watch in the morning. Channel 2 news at 5am has been my all time favorite for such a long time. The team was great. My sincere sympathy to the channel 2 family. And also Randy's family. -- Shirley Bennett

I remember Randy for his smile and laugh and his great sense of humor. I watched when he was on as it made the news seem happier no matter what the story was. It gave me the chills when I read it happened in Eagle River as my family has a home up there and everyone goes all year round; however, everyone worries for the winter as you can lose your way of the track, especially in the dark. I also think of my brother-in-law who ashes are scattered in the same lake they went over and he was a young journalist in Michigan who was killed on Lake shore drive when he was in for his cousin's funeral. Everyone has to know that Randy died in the most beautiful place in the Midwest, as Eagle River is just the best place to be away from home.

Randy will be dearly missed and my love is sent to his family. It is the hardest time in life when you loose someone you love, but life has to go on and faith will give it to you. I know this from experience. You never know when it will be your last day and you have to live life to the fulliest what Randy was doing, and you never know if it will be the last time you see someone so let them know how you feel by saying you love them. --Pauline Griffin

I AM IN SHOCK HE WAS THERE JUST YESTERDAY. RANDY WAS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE NEWCASTER. I WATCH HIM EVERY MORNING BEFORE GOING TO WORK. I WATCH CBS 2 MORNING NEWS JUST BECAUSE OF HIM.-- Monica DeJarlais

I am a big fan of the early morning channel 2 news.I was deeply shocked to hear about Randy's accident.May God rest his soul and watch over his family.He will be greatly missed. -- Nita Whalen of Elk Grove

He will be so missed. My thoughts are with all of you. --Jackie Benscoter of Clifton, Ill.
 
I feel lucky to say I met Randy and his family. One eve I was asked to babysit for him, I didn't know who he was at the time. I just adored his children and ever since have always remembered him and his family; they are very lucky to have had such a wonderful person in their lives. My thought and prayers go out to his family. -- Gina L of St.Charles, Ill.

Randy and the CBS 2 morning news team always made it easy to get up in the morning. I looked forward to watching Randy,Roseanne,Susan and Ed each morning, they all seemed to enjoy each other –especially Randy.
How sad for everyone at Channel 2, Randy will be missed. My thoughts go out to Randy's family during this time of sorrow. -- Janet Hayes

My thoughts & prayers go out to all of you at Channel 2 News, as well as Randy's family & friends. I was shocked to read the news this morning of his death. He was a bright spot on the news, and will be sorely missed. God Speed, Randy. And to his family & friends, keep the faith, and stay strong. We're praying for you. -- Pat Reese

I am deeply saddened by the news of Randy's death. I feel like I lost a friend. My husband and I would start our mornings with Randy, Roseanne, Susan and Ed. I loved watching Channel 2 because I could feel the the camaraderie between them. They all seemed to really enjoy each other. Randy is/was a lucky man to have so many families who loved him and who will miss him -- his family, his CBS 2 family, and his viewing family. We will miss seeing Randy in the mornings. Our condolences to his family, co-workers, and friends. -- Ivett Radke 

I'm in shock. Randy was a primary reason to wake up early each week day morning. He felt like a friend. I've often said that if I could choose who I would most enjoy having dinner with ... Randy was always my pick. When he left WGN to join CBS, I wrote him a congratulatory letter. You can imagine my surprise when I received a reply from him! My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to his family. I share your grief and loss. -- Ellen Fuog

Randy was the greatest!!! We woke up to him and the whole morning crew everyday. Not a morning went by that Randy did not make us laugh or say something crazy. We did not know him personally, but yet just by watching him on the news,we knew he was a very true, down to earth, tell it like it was, kind of guy. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. -- Dianne Howie

I am so sorry to hear about Randy. It is a great loss. They say only the good die young. I guess that is true. My prayers go out to his family and his CBS family. My god bless you all. -- Pam Prill from Mundelein

This is Donnie from Crystal Lake, I have known Randy for 5, 6 years now and have never met him in person but have always talked to him through email. My mom went to school with him and they saw each other at the taste of Crystal Lake. My mom told him I was very interested in weather and so he sent me an autographed picture of Tom Skilling in the mail and I also got Randy's autograph too. This was when he worked at WGN. A couple months ago, I emailed him asking when would be a good time to finally meet him in person and he said that this spring he would take me through a tour at CBS 2 and check out everything and meet the newscast which I thought would be pretty cool. I can't believe this happened. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. -- Donnie Plodzien

I have cared a heavy sadness ever since I heard the news about Randy. I watched the show every morning to get my started. I will truly miss his "quirky" sense of witty humor. My prayers go out to the CBS morning Team and most of Randy's wife and children. -- Brenda Crowder

I remember when we taped Randy and Tom Baffes (his college roommate) performing "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" in our upstairs bedroom.
Randy was the girl part and wore my mom's long formal gown. I never laughed so hard! We'll miss you, Randy. -- Katie Baffes

We all will miss Randy. This was such a tragedy and such a young age. All our prayers to his family. I do know what they are feeling for I too lost a son 9 years ago, this month. All I can say is prayers helped and kind words of others and I hope this will help them somehow. --Lucy Wellman

I just could not believe that Randy Salerno passed away. When I saw the news, I thought not that young,warm, personable morning newsman. My thoughts went to his wife, children and family. It is truly a deep shock. God bless his family and friends - life is truly fragile. --LB King

He was a wonderful contributor to the Crystal Lake community and will be missed terribly. -- Jean Saidler

I feel like I've lost an old friend. I live in Crystal Lake, and wake up to the morning show every day. Randy will surely be missed. I hope CBS2 continues to point out the temperature for Crystal Lake as part of the weather forecast, in Randy's memory. -- Mark Beyer

First of all I am stunned, and very saddened to hear this, he will be missed. My wife and I used to watch Randy and Roseanne on WGN, and when they left we followed them over to CBS. Randy became a staple in the mornings and I had just watched him this week. He seemed like a very nice man, and we are going to miss hearing his voice every day when we get ready for work. -- Eric Eslinger

The first time I saw the CBS2 morning news with Randy, I was hooked. He and the rest of the morning crew became a morning ritual for me while getting ready for work. It has been a great way to start my day because no matter what breaking news stories were being reported, they always found the time and a place for a smile and a good laugh. Though I didn't know Randy Salerno personally, he has been a big part of my daily life for a long while now, and he will definitely be missed. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to his wife and three children, and to everyone in the CBS2 family. CBS2 has a big chair to fill in replacing Randy in the morning. To Randy's family: Thank you for sharing such
a wonderful personality with the world. It has been a pleasure and an honor.-- Theresa Banta

CHANNEL 2 NEWS WAS THE REASON I WATCHED EVERY MORNING. RANDY WAS THE BRIGHT START OF THE DAY. HE WILL BE MISSED. -- Mick

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