Jan 26, 2008 12:48 pm US/Central
Viewers' Comments On Randy Salerno - Part 6
Viewers share their thoughts and memories of CBS 2 Morning anchor Randy Salerno, who passed away in a snowmobiling accident late Thursday night.
I enjoy watching CBS 2 every morning. Randy always made me laugh and added so much to my early morning. There was never a dull moment with Randy around, and he will be greatly missed. I send my condolences to his wife, children and his cbs family. He was a true original!
-- A. Pritzker
Randy Salerno was a warm, funny person to wake up to each morning. He will be sadly missed. His quick wit & charm were a welcome site every morning. He & Roseanne plus Ed & Susan were all a very good mix. Our prayers will be with his family, friends & co-workers, who are all grieving along with all of his loyal viewers.
Linda & Bob Riley
Grant Park, IL
Hello, my name is Lori Lander and my husband to be is Rick Easter. We have been watching CBS 2 News every morning before he goes to work.We will miss seeing Randy on the news let his family know how sorry we are for their loss.and our prays are with them we live in Wilmington IL
Perhaps the greatest tribute to Randy may be that whether it was with humor in his commentary on a news items, or with seriousness, as he announced disturbing news of the day, each and every broadcast was memorable – there simply cannot be "just one favorite moment."
CBS 2 has made it possible for each of us to thoroughly enjoy the two (2) very special teams of Rob & Diann, and Randy & Roseanne; what a pleasure to watch each team, not only for their professionalism, but even more for their absolute friendship – somehow, I feel a part of their camaraderie and now feel a loss that truly leaves me speechless.
My heart goes out to each of you at CBS 2 – the glowing and loving tributes from each of you today only confirm what I believed . . . He cannot be replaced.
Love and prayers to his wonderful family – a family we came to know and care for.
God, I wish there were no reason for me to write this. I, too, will miss you sorely, Randy.
I know the angels will be chuckling more as you bring to them, what you have to us.
Linda Krucks
I was so saddened to hear about Randy. I started my mornings with Randy and his news team every morning. He was so witty and uplifting in the morning. He will be sorely missed.
I am so sorry for his family and friends.
-- Eva Gehlhaar
Hey Guys I'm Sorry To Hear About Your Co Worker Randy Salerno And You Guys Can Move On With Him There Beside You In Your Hearts And He Has Been Born Again And May God Watch Over His Family And Friends And He's In The Hands Of God Now We'll Miss Him Randy Salerno 1963-2008 I Watched Him And He's Funny To Watch From A CBS2 Watcher
-- Matthew Carpenter
Randy will always be remembered as a great guy with a big heart. My deepest sympathy to his family and the CBS morning team: Susan, Roseanne, and Ed.
Sincerely, Celina
I have been watching CBS morning news since before Dave Price was one of the morning anchors. I was delighted that you finally found the "perfect" morning team. Randy was fun. I am deeply saddened that he is gone. I laughed through the "trading places with the security lady" several times - showing it to my friends at work. I will miss him. My condolences to Channel 2 and his family.
Jill Stargardt
Yorkville, IL
Dear CBS 2 News Team,
My thoughts are with you as you mourn your loss and celebrate Randy Salerno life. Randy seemed like a kind and honorable man. I'm sure he will be deeply missed by all your viewers. I was lucky to have had the chance to meet Randy while visiting Chicago in college. His life disproves the saying "nice guys finish last ". My prayers are with his family and of course his TV family at CBS 2.
Sincerely,
Rick Onsurez
Assignment Editor
CBS 13 Sacramento
He was part of my morning routine, him and Roseanne I switched from wgn to cbs to watch them. I am deeply saddened by his passing. God Bless his family and the channel 2 morning news team.
I will miss Randy
-- Patti Gura, Crest Hill
I watched Randy for many years on WGN. I recently switched to Channel 2 as I tired of those other news shows. I enjoyed the chemistry between Randy and Roseanne and the rest of the morning news family. My heart goes out to Randy's wife and 3 young children who have had their time together cut short. -- Sharon Thomas
We feel like a lost of a close friend and a very funny person . He will be missed by many... loved and pray for his family. -- P. Mikol
I am so shocked to hear the news. I will miss his friendly face in the morning. Randy will truly be missed.
Carin Vahle
Naperville, IL
Our condolences for this tragic loss to his family and to his TV family. He always seemed like a guy we would like to know. His personality came through, but he never seemed full of himself. He was enjoyable to watch and although we will all miss him, our hearts go out to his family and his close friends for this tremendous loss. -- RK
To Roseanne, Susan and Ed,
Words cannot express the sadness I feel in learning of Randy's loss. I wake up with you guys each morning and you are all like family to my husband and myself. We turn on CBS2 as soon as we're up and listen while we do all the normal stuff to start our day and get out the door. I can't imagine not hearing Randy's humor and his wonderful news coverage each day, but knowing that this is going to be ten fold for all of you, my heart goes out to each of you. Please know that I share in your loss, that I'm thinking of you and especially of Randy's family. I feel that the CBS family is so close that you will be taking care of Irene and his children as best you can to help them through the hard days. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Holly
Randy was the reason I watched Channel 2 in the morning. I loved his smile and I thought he was the funniest man in town.
He will be missed!!!! God Bless to his family! -- Unsigned
My wife and I will miss Randy as we have started our day with him for the past several years. Our condolences go out to his family, he will be missed greatly.
-- Bob And Michelle Acerrano, Plainfield, IL.
I am deeply saddened by the tragic news of Randy's death. Even not knowing him personally, you could just tell that he was a stand-up guy. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
-- Carrie T., Oswego
I was a faithful viewer of the "WGN Mid-day News" and watched Randy while living in Phoenix, AZ. What a terrible way to go. God Bless his family. He is up above with Harry Carey now.
-- Alec W. Bloomfield, CT
A great loss. Randy will be missed by everyone. Watching him and Roseanne when I wake up has made my getting up in the mornings a lot easier. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and every one whose lives he touched. Randy we will miss you. -- Ilse Garcia
I can't believe that Randy is gone. I started watching him at WGN and followed him and Roseanne to CBS.
I remember about 14 or 15 years ago, there was a huge apartment fire in Hazel Crest, right across the street from our home. There were firefighters and news crews all over our front lawn. I remember seeing Randy there doing a report on the WGN evening news right on our lawn and I developed such a crush on him!
My sister offered him something to drink and a sandwich, as we were giving drinks and food to all the firefighters and news people. He was so gracious - he got such a kick out of it! I will always remember his smile when my sister held the tray of sandwiches up to him.
He was a truly warm and congenial man. This is a terrible loss for Chicago news - but most of all for his family. He will be sorrily missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family, friends and co-workers.
-- Karen
Words cannot express the void that'll be left by Randy Salerno. I wake up every morning watching the 5am news with Randy, Rosanne, Susan and Ed. My husband leaves for work at 5 in the morning and he makes sure the channel has been changed to 2 so I can watch the news. Although we've never met Randy, when I got the email alert on my blackberry this morning while riding Metra this morning, I had to read it again....I thought, this can't be true!!
I can't imagine what Monday morning is going to be like knowing Randy will not be back. I looked forward to his quick wit and his bantering back and forth with his collegues. It was like a watching a family at work.
My family sends our prayers out to his immediate family as well as his CBS 2 family. May God bless and keep you during your time of grief....
-- The Haynes Family, Country Club Hills, IL
My condolences to his family and CBS family, Randy will truely be missed by all, a great guy.
-- Billie Jenkins, Chicago, IL
This is for the Salerno Family and all those who knew and loved him. I'm sorry for your loss. May God shine down upon you during this difficult time. Randy Salerno will be sadly missed be CBS morning news viewers like me.
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one,
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is gone,
I'd like to leave and echo of whispering softly down the way,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright sunny days,
I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun,
Of happy memories I leave when life is done......
God Bless,
Malissa Harrell
May God bless and be with the Salerno family during this very difficult time. My sincere condolences to his wife and children. What a huge loss for the CBS news family. I watched Randy and Roseanne every day at 11am---they made the news worth watching. There will never be another Randy :(
With sympathy,
Paula
I was shocked when I turned on the 6:00p.m.evening news and saw they were remembering Randy Salerno. I felt as though I lost a friend. You watch the news daily and it is as though they become a part of your household. I remember when Mr. Salerno and Roseanne were working on WGN in the mornings, he was pleasant, funny and graceful. I enjoyed him and Roseanne together I thought they were inseparable. Next they were on CBS 2 Chicago mornings, better than before.
To his immediate family and media family we were blessed daily. Thanks for allowing him to be apart of our lives daily. He will be greatly missed.
A light from our presence is gone
a voice we love is still.
A place is vacant from our home,
Which never can be fill.
Although on earth you are no more,
but deep in our heart you are with us as you
always were before.
-- Sandra M. Haynes, Country Club Hills, Illinois
Although I didn't know Randy personally, it surely felt as though I did. I always looked forward to watching CBS 2 morning show because Randy and the entire team made it worth watching. I just loved his quick wit, his quirky personality and his good looks. My deepest condolences go out to Randy's family and to his family at CBS. He will be sorely and greatly missed, but his memory live through everyone who loved him.
Warmest Regards,
Amy
I WAS IN SHOCK WHEN I HEARD OF RANDY'S DEATH...I WATCHED YOUR NEWS BROADCASTS ALL DAY LONG...THE 11:00AM NEWS HAD ME IN TEARS...A GREAT MAN, A LOVING HUSBAND AND FATHER... MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS TONIGHT... GOD BLESS RANDY.... VICKY
I'm still in shock. Every morning when I get up for work, the first thing I do is turn on channel 2. Randy, Roseanne, Susan & Ed are on before I have my first sip of coffee. The morning crew always gets me going before I leave for work. Mornings will not be the same. My heart goes out to the morning crew and to Randy's family.
Vicki
Braidwood, IL
Wow...........our Randy!
-- Unsigned
Having recently lost my husband and best friend, my heart truly feels your loss. I hope you find strength and comfort from the memories of his warm smile, wise-cracking jokes and loving hugs. He left his "footprints" on the hearts of all who came to know him. My prayers will continue as you come to terms with this sudden tragic loss. My heartfelt condolences to you...
-- Unsigned
To the news team / family of Randy Salerno,
My husband and I have watched channel 2 news for years and it's always been the dynamics and humor that keep us watching. Randy was an enjoyment for us to watch. With his great sense of humor and down to earth personality, he really brought a spark to the news. He seemed like a very approachable guy who seemed to enjoy his work and we will greatly miss him. I'm so very sorry for the loss that you all have gone through and we are sending our prayers to you all in this difficult time.
God Speed Randy.
Regards,
Marcia Beake
Ingleside, IL.
To Randy's Work and Home Families:
My heart goes out to all of you. I didn't know Randy, but he has been part of my morning ritual since joining CBS 2 Chicago. My god, I hadn't cried this hard when Princess Diana passed on. I have been watching the clips, and seeing just how wonderful of a person he was, makes me think, why? Why would such a great person with a wonderful life, be taken away and cut extremely short from everyone that cared and loved him so much?
I guess his job on earth is done now, and now we should take all take this time to carry on his legacy. Make the world a better place. Your pain is greatly shared, my heart is heavy with deep sorrow, and may god bless you all and ease you through your tough challenges ahead.
Sincerely
Sherri - Hoffman Estates, IL
You will never be forgotten. Everyone loved you from the start, you left us with a special gift. Fond memories in all our hearts.
Pamela Saviano
Homewife Enterprise
I'm so sorry about your loss. Randy had a way of making you like him without even trying to. The world will surely be a tad dimmer without his presence. -- Pat Bessete
My deepest sympathy to the Salerno family. I lived in Cary and I started to watch channel 2 news because of Randy. I feel that I lost a family member. I have a son close to his age and my heart goes out to his parents, wife, kids, family members and also his TV family. He will be greatly missed.
Angela
Island Lake
What a great loss to Chicago. He seemed like such a warm, kind person. While Randy was funny on t.v., his personality really came out when he was on the radio with Garry Meier. I am still in shock. My condolences go out to his entire family for this tragic loss. It's a very sad day.
With deep sympathy,
Karen Nowosielski
Oswego, IL
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic accident, I have been watching Randy since he was on WGN. I am most heartbroke for his wife and children, and of course RoseAnne. Chicago knows that he will be missed and loved and God Bless his children. wife, parents, and family.
Sincerely,
Gina Wehde
Aurora, IL
Randy was a very funny guy. His presence on the morning news cast will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
-- John Tebo, Crestwood, IL
In memory of Randy, who appears to have touched so many people so early in the morning. My fondest memory of Randy is with his fellow newcasters on the CBS early morning show. I truly enjoyed his daily banter with Roseanne, Ed, Susan and Bill, and will be sadly missed within my morning routine. He always seemed to start my day on such a positive and happy note.
-- Eric E.
This is very hard to write. I can't remember a day when I didn't watch Channel 2 just to see him and Roseanne. My favorite moment was when Roseanne said 'Hi, I'm Roseanne Tellez' and Randy said 'Hi, I'm Roseanne Tellez'. I thought that was hilarious. My sincerest condolences for the Salerno family. Also I would like to tell Roseanne Tellez how sorry i am. I know this is also very hard on her. She will be in my prayers also
-- John J. Stabrawa.
A sad day in life!!!
Every morning I would start my day watching the news
with Randy. From this point on life will not be the same!!
My thoughts and prayer's go out to his family.
Fred A. Darnell
Plainfield IL.
I was so saddened to hear that Randy Salerno had passed in the snowmobile accident. I watched him on WGN and followed him to CBS 2. He will be greatly missed by all viewers. Such a fun guy to watch. May God Bless him and his family. -- Julia
As I was leaving for work this morning, I checked the news online and was shocked and saddened to read that Randy had died. He was so funny and smart and I loved watching him, Susan, Ed and Roseanne in the morning. I will miss him. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
-- Julia, Chicago, IL
What a terrible tragedy. I watched Randy on channel 9 and then channel 2. No matter what channel he made me laugh. Randy was a very funny and sincere man. Mornings will never be the same. My heart goes out to his wife, children and everyone of his co-workers, both past and present.
-- Jenny Siok, Elwood, IL
I had the radio on in my office this morning. It was sometime after 9:00 a.m. and I thought I heard that Randy Salerno had died. I immediately checked the CBS2 website and there was the tragic news... Top Story. I was stunned and in disbelief. I felt a chill and my eyes welled up as I read the article posted. I have been a long time fan of Randy since his WGN days and was very happy when he joined the CBS2 news channel. Watching channel 2 is a part of my morning routine everyday. I enjoy the cohesiveness that the morning team shares. I especially enjoyed Randy, because you never knew what quick witted comment he was going to make. That's what stood out about him was his humor. Randy will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to his wife & children. Also to his many family, friends and colleagues at CBS2 as well as WGN TV.
It was definitely a pleasure to watched him for the short time we had him......he has left us all much to soon. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!!!!
Still Shocked and Very Saddened,
Veronica Burgess, Tinley Park, IL
I don't think I ever saw Randy doing the news on TV but I did hear him on the radio. He was an occasional newscaster on The Garry Meier Radio Show that was on WCKG-FM 105.9 between 8 and 11 am for around six months in 2007. I always enjoyed his wit and humor. He will be missed.
Fred Ost
Skokie
So, so sorry to hear of this loss. Randy had such a great personality and that really came across in his broadcast. I was shocked to hear of his death today. I know he is in a better place as he was called home to be with his heavenly Father. Please convey to his family that we pray for his family and ask our Lord to help give the strengh they will need during this very difficult time. God Bless you and keep the faith. -- Jerry Judge
I was shocked to hear about the passing of Randy Salerno even though I have never met him thouth i have seen him aruond Crystal Lake and now i am sorry i never went up to him to say HI.I have wacthed him when he was on WGN and when he moved to CBS.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and to his co-workers.
-- Debbie from Illinois
Randy always made me laugh and that's how I will always remember him thank you Randy for those laugh thank you. -- Larry Marsalis
My symparhy to the Salerno family. I am from Racine. Wisconsin and followed Randy's career from his days on WGN. I share your loss, and will keep you in prayer. -- John Kowbel
It was no news to me when the CBS 2 news team and colleagues mentioned Randy's generostiy. I chose to interview Randy last summer in 06', for a journalism assignment at school. I was to choose an ISU alum, that was doing the job I hope to do one day. Without hesitation, he accepted to do the interview. His wit and carefree spirit showed in the interview (though only through email).
He wasn't just an anchor to look up too, but he came across as one friend helping another. It just goes to show that he was that guy to take a few moments out of his time to help out others. From one Redbird alum to another, his vibrance and passion for the job will be missed. My prayers go out to his family and friends, along with the CBS 2 news team.
-- Melissa Smith
He makes the show! This morning I woke at my usual 5: 17, plugged in the coffee, turned on the tv. Hmmmmm no Randy, I watched for about 10 minutes, then turned the TV off to read for a while. I don't go to work until 8:30 and I'm 5 minutes away.
I've been watching for as long as Randy has been on the morning news.
At about 8:00 am or so, I heard on the radio (WBBM Felecia Middlebrooks) that a Chicago anchorman was dead......stay tuned I had a bad feeling. Then when I heard it was Randy I just stopped. My heart ached.
He brought humor and human feelings to news. My heart goes out to his family.
God bless.
-- Barbara
Randy has been a famous figure in our home for years. When you watch someone on TV for so long, they seem to become family. Our hearts break over such a tragic loss! May God bless the Salerno family during this most difficult time. -- Sandy Calhoun
I always looked forward to watching the CBS @6am, and prepared breakfast for my 3 sons. I enjoyed waking and hearing Randy's voice.
His legacy will live through Irene and his children....What a great person, and like they just said on Channel 9 there is a party going on up in heaven.
We will miss you Randy!
Deanna Werle,
Prayers and Wished for his extended family
I never met Randy in person but I figure it out by watching him first on channel 9 and later on channel 2 that this is wonderfull human being.It is just so sad that he departed this world too soon through a tragic accident.I pray that may his soul rest in perfect peace and may God Almighty console his family at this time of sorrow. -- Clem Akande
I'm still in shock! I had to write to express my deep sorrow and condolences to Randy's family, the CBS2 family; especially the Morning Show. The thing I loved BEST about the morning show, is that they all fed off each other. It was refreshing, entertaining, but most of all GENUINE. You could tell they were like a real family. They truly cared about each other. Randy had such quick wit about him, but that's what I loved Best!
He will be sorely missed. -- Donna R., Romeoville
I couldn't drive fast enough after work to get home and get on the internet--praying it wasn't true! I will miss him terribly.
My condolences to his wife and children.
Irene, Haley, Slone, and Charlie
our thoughts will always be with you
when we turn on the Channel 2 morning news
and only see Roseanne, Ed, Susan & Bill.
Randy was bigger than life,
his passion for journalism was his strive,
but today was one of the saddest days of my life
when I found out CBS lost one of its best
and my morning crew is one less.
-- Diana Quesada
Hi my name is Brent I loved Randy's sense of humor. When ever something bad was happening Randy was always there to try to say it as easy as he could. I will always remember Randy and his sense of humor. This couldn't of happened to a beter guy Than him. My prayers will be with Randy's wife and kids. -- Brent Krauth
To the entire CBS and Salerno Family,
Randy was such a pleasure to watch. He was a down to earth individual who made you feel like he was more that just a television personality, he was a friend. Someone who could make you laugh when you felt like crying, often making you laugh so much you did have tears, tears of joy. His good looks, fantastic wit, and that wonderful voice will truly be missed. No words exist that can express when someone so special such as Randy is taken away. Our condolences go out to his family and his many friends. May you find comfort in the warm loving and humorous memories he had so generously bestowed. We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Most cordially,
The Wiorski Family
Chicago
I met Randy a few times but tonight I know so many people are devastated by his loss. Friends from Peoria are only a handful of those impacted by such a wonderful person.
-- C. Kelso
My deepest condolence to all of you, especially his lovely family and neighbors.
I too am one of the zillions of viewers who watches the cbs2 morning news.
After watching the news accounts of how great Randy was as a person outside work, I am moved to email you my thoughts regarding this most devastating accident.
I once lived in Minocqua, WI which is very near to Eagle River, St. Germaine, etc. The BEAUTIFUL northwoods it is. However, there is a fundamental problem with northern Wisconsin, and that is the use of snowmobiles gone amok. I feel so very sorry for his friend, the driver, of the ill fated ride, a ride almost expected as sort of an "initiation" to the winter wonderland of northern Wisconsin. Probably because of inexperience and no available counsel to suggest otherwise, they were encouraged to have a "wild time" under the fresh air and stars (wasn't it also the full moon?) and not to mention the booze. They fell to the allure of a winter's night of excitement and beauty. I am so very sorry.... how many other tragedies have preceded this? The police and hospital records hold scores of families loosing their loved ones in snowmobile accidents.
I am by nature in love with the country in silent ways, the ways of old when snow shoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating held high on the list of outdoor winter activities. Alas, the problems that plague America and their overuse of vehicles have intruded every aspect of living, including the country.
I believe that instead of punishing ONE man, for the pain and anguish he caused a family, a very big audience, and most importantly for himself, should be a LAW that severely restricts renting snowmobiles, restaurants and bars that cater to these vehicles, and somehow make THEM responsible for the tragedy. This "sport" is very dangerous and not enough is being done to spread this word, via public service, media or education. Somehow the people of northern Wisconsin have in some way made snowmobiling a barbaric right of life. If we take this a step further, look at the other 3 seasons and the use of the four wheelers up there. Just as dangerous and historically tragic in the loss of life, especially children.
Well, that's the main gist of what I wanted to share. I just pray that this tragedy will somehow change how people are lead to drive a snowmobile.
Peace,
Linda
Salerno family and CBS family
Our prayers are with the family and CBS
he will be miss so much he is part of us we watch
him every day and you guys in the news.
this will be hard as I have lost several co-workers
myself and it will seem impossible to overcome
but you guys will be okay
Randy is smiling at you guys
that is the way he was.
Roseanne Tellez we all Love you and our Love
and prayers are with you.
it is going to be okay
may the Lord give you strength
God bless you all.
Stryczek family
Seeing Randy's wit and charm was always a great way to start the day – even at 5AM. he will be missed. -- Pat Turocy
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Randy Salerno. He was so good at his job. I thoroughly enjoyed following his career. My heart goes out to his family -- both at work and at home. He died too young.
-- Jean Willey
I went to junior high and high school with Randy and even though I did not keep in touch with him after I moved and it has been nearly 30 years, I remember Randy Salerno and Scott Hirschey. I remember Randy being a really nice guy and one that everyone liked. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
My condolences and prayers are with Randy's and Scott's families.
Karen Amos Blake
Palestine, Texas
I am so shocked and saddened by the loss of Randy. I woke up daily to watch him and Roseanne while drinking my morning coffee. He was one of the most enjoyable journalist I have ever watched. This is the first time I have ever written to CBS news but felt compelled to do so for this wonderful man. He will truly be missed. -- L. Singh, Naperville
What a shock. I awake every morning to the morning news crew. I think of them as my friends. Randy will be missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends. -- Patti O. Chicago, IL
We remember watching Randy on WGN then on 2. Randy seemed like a great like able guy. Randy will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Randy's family, extended news family and friends. May he rest in peace.
-- Michele and Sharon
I have to say that I am in complete shock. I've been watching Channel 2 in the morning before work for a few years now and the whole cast has been an important part of my morning routine. I have to say, Randy will be sorely missed. I was very saddened to hear of his passing, especially at such a young age. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and co-workers. This is a terrible loss and he will definitely be missed.
Take care,
Jennifer
Randy will be missed by all, a good man, a good friend, a good dad, a good broadcaster,
I remember in grade school he and I being taller than most, including some teachers!
He was a class act back then, and will be always in my mind............Darren Rivchin
I feel terrible about Randy's untimely passing. I have watched him for years and enjoyed his professionalism and great sense of humor. He kept me company at lunchtime when at WGN and then in the morning on Channel 2. I will miss him very much. He was great!
Please express my sympathy to his wife and children.
Sincerely,
Mimi Condon, Chicago
Randy was such a pleasure to watch as he delivered the news. He was never biased or pompous, rather making one actually enjoy watching him. I looked forward to catching up with the news on the 11 AM broadcast. It is the only news I watched because of the comradeship of the team and the lightness of presentation. I've been in tears all day and send my sincere condolences to his lovely family and coworkers.
Phyllis Laba
Steger, IL
Hi,
I am a 14 year old student at Hinsdale South High School in Darien. Every morning I wake up at 5:30 because I take an Early-Bird gym class at my school. Every morning I have the same routine. I get up, get dressed, and then sit down and watch the CBS 2 news. Every morning my mom and I would watch how much fun the team was having. They always seemed to be having a great time together. It was the best thing in the morning. It was extremely sad hearing about Randy's passing and I know that many people, including my self, will miss him. I think the funniest moment I remember was before Christmas 2007, Randy and Ed having fun with the helicopters that could shoot each other down. He will be missed!
-- AJ
I wake up every morning to his handsome face, he will be missed
-- LaDora Harrison
I watched Randy everyday on Channel 9 and then I followed him to Channel 2. I could not believe what I was hearing this morning. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. Rest in Peace.
-- Shirley Zacek
I was sadden to hear of the news of the lost of Randy Salerno. He added such personality and charm to what normally could be grim and dismal news for life here in the Chicago area. What a talent, and he will be truly missed on the morning news. I truly feel for the small children that he leaves behind. I myself have a first grader, and I can only imagine the impact that it will have on him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife. In the blink of the eye, she is now a widow left to raise three young children. To be a television personality in Chicago, it's very odd how that person on the screen that you've never met, becomes a part of your family. His family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
-- Kelly Wilson
Homewood, IL
I think this is so unbelievably sad! It's tragic to hear of the loss of such a great person. I remember watching him on WGN for years and thought he was so funny and made starting the day so much easier. He will be missed. My heart goes out to his wife and children.
Jill Stulga,
Tinley Park
I'm heartbroken, I feel like I knew Randy. He made every morning fun. Even when times were tough at home you could always count on Randy to make you smile and forget your troubles. He seemed like such a terrific guy and will be missed. Life is a little less joyful without him. My prayers go out to his family. -- Nancy (Romeoville)
I am devastated. I watched Randy for years on WGN. Such a loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to Randy's family. My thoughts and prayers to the friends on the trip with Randy. I can't imagine what you are all going through. Be there for each other. Rest in peace. What a loss for CBS. I knew I would be laughing every time I turned him on.
Sincerely,
Andrea E
I am a long time devoted Ch2 viewer and I am so sorry about Randy, he is GREAT. You have a wonderful news team, it is so different from all the rest. I start every day at 5am with your team Mon-Fri and I don't know how I will face mornings without him. I never met Randy but I knew so much about him from his daily news cast. My heart goes out to his family and those of you that were lucky enough to be his friend.
-- Margie - Lake Zurich
I would never have thought that a newscast would become "must see" TV for me, but that's what the channel 2 news at 11am was for me. I looked forward to watching Randy every day. I kept telling myself that someday I would get up early and watch the 5am news with Randy. I'm so sorry I never did. My deepest sympathy to the Salerno family and Channel 2. He will be missed by all.
-- Barb N., Arlington Heights
I woke up with him, Roseanne, and coffee every morning. He was an amazingly funny person that had a great sence of humor and made you feel like you were part of his broadcast family. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children. -- Carrie Reyes, Manhattan IL
When my husband picked me up from work he asked me if I had heard the news. After he told me I got a headache. I told him Vince Gerasole was in for him this morning and said Randy has the day off. I watch that news every morning and I felt like some one I knew had died. He was someone we all knew who watched. My husband was shocked too, because he once saw Randy in the State of Illinois Building. I came back from Afghanistan in (May) 2004 and remember him from the beginning. I have fond memories of how Ed, Randy, Rosanne and Susan & Bill all would joke around in the mornings; Randy would say funny things and not crack a smile and go on and report the news while the others were still laughing. So professional, so classy. I am so sad for and with his wife, children, parents and friends. He will be missed by so many. I still cannot believe it.
Thanks Mrs Salerno, family and friends for sharing Randy with the world. He was a great journalist.
-- Sophia Murry
Randy's loss is devastating to a city that felt like they knew him from seeing him on TV. I'm heartbroken for his family and beautiful children. We can only hope that having access to all the tape of Randy will help the children to remember him and maybe even get to know him a bit more. My thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and co-workers.
-- Kitkat Ito
Randy will be missed. I enjoyed watching the morning show. I would wake earlier enough to watch it. My prayer go out to his television family and his home family. -- Barbara Edwards
I am in shock. I get up very early in the morning and CBS 2 Morning show with Randy, Rosanne, Susan and Ed started my day every day. The show was like family. The morning teams closeness and camaraderie for one another came through each broadcast. I looked forward each morning to Randy's wit and humor. He was a guys guy!!!. Listening to him you felt like you knew him. He and Rosanne had such a great chemistry. I could tell there was a sincere professional affection there.
My condolences to both his personal family and his work family. He will truly be missed. -- Al Smith
My husband, not a morning person, watched Channel 2 every morning as he got ready for work. Randy will be missed. He made our mornings much more pleasant. Cannot help but feel so bad for his family - our best to all the CBS family as well. -- Donna
My sincere condolences to Randy's family. I have them in my prayers.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
-- Deborah Ward
Your expanded story on tonight's 10:00 news regarding Randy was really heart-touching & quite close to home for me. Besides my fondness for his news-style and his character that made his reporting believable
and informative, I had a similar mishap on a snowmobile exactly two weeks ago to the hour of Randy's mishap, and also in the Eagle River area, falling of my sled & hitting a tree, but fortunate to only crack three ribs.
It will make me think twice every time I ride, and hopefully others will too after such a tragic accident, as the sport can be very dangerous.
My deepest sympathy to his family & co-workers.
-- Reed Nitsche
I am truly saddened by Randy's death, I can not believe he's gone! I feel like this is just a dream and I'll see him again on Monday morning as I've been doing every morning while I get ready to go to work. I just saw the 10pm newscast and just cried and laughed. It was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful, talented, big hearted, funny man. My heart goes out to his families and friends, because if I feel this heartsick, I am sure you all are feeling worse. My heart goes out to all of you! Randy will be truly missed! Thank you for getting me started in the mornings!
-- Elena Alvarez
I'd like to send my thoughts & prayers to all of you @ Channel 2 on the death of Mr. Salerno. I'm sure its very hard on all of you & my condolences & feelings of sorry go out to all of you. May God keep ya'll in peace & ease your pain.
I really enjoyed watching him on the news. He was a very good newscaster.
Sincerest condolences,
Merry-Anne Hess
Monee, Illinois
What a great loss. i will miss his bubbly, wide awake, personality in the mornings. i'm very saddened about this. he will be missed. love, to his colleagues, and wife, and kids.....JOYCE SOTO/ WEST CHICAGO, IL
I didn't know Randy personally but what a handsome man he was!! He was down to earth, it seemed, not cocky and just a funny, funny man who made waking up in the morning pleasurable!! God Bless his family & friends, especially his children. Sincerely, John and Lisa Lyons (L.I.T.H, Ill.)
This morning, hearing of the death of Randy Salerno really hit me hard. I lost my husband, at the age of 59, 3 1/2 weeks ago to a massive heart attack on New Years Day. My husband and I watched Randy in the morning before my husband would leave for work. I was so used to seeing Randy, he was like a friend. Listening to the good things people said about him today brought back memories from the first couple of days after my husband passed. My heart goes out to his wife and children. I know how they are feeling. Please pass my condolences on to them.
-- P.K. Spring Grove
I knew Randy for 15 years. We met as young reporters for rival stations in 1993. I wrote my memories of him on my blog and web site. Thanks for offering a forum for refections of this great man.
-- Kent Ninomiya
I saw this tonight on the 5pm newscast that I was directing. Having grown up in Chicago, and having watched Randy on TV, it was sad for me to learn of his passing in a 20 second VO. He was a very talented anchor and reporter, and while I never worked with him, it's still sad to learn of the passing of someone else with-in the television news industry.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and co-workers at Ch. 2.
-- Adam Chernow
Weekend Director
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI
I am just devastated. You know, there is just so much negativity in the world and Randy always gave me hope. He always found the "funny" in everything.
CBS 2 News must be just devastated. It's just goes to show us that angels are put in this life temporarily. To teach us a lesson. And Randy indeed was an Angel.
I don't watch the crab that is on T.V. and the news is pretty dismal. But what a great way to start the day with Randy and Roseanne and Susan and Ed. I discovered this magic about 10 years ago and felt it a reason to get up and start the day anew.
I am an optimistic person that loves to laugh and find the good things in people and life in general. I tend to be the fixer in people's lves and it was nice to have someone carry this burden for me. Randy and his team are just a jumpstart to the day.
When he was on vacation, I would channel surf to see if there was anyone out there to compare. The channel 2 news was still great, however when Randy was on vacation the heartbeat was missing. I was always happy to know that Randy realized the importance of vacation and spending time with family, He would usually take time off school breaks, or summer ending.
May God Bless him and his family. Chicago news will never be the same.
I just had a conversation with one of my co-workers who has been going through a divorce and has stayed true to himself and just a great guy who's heart has been broken. I told him that everything happens for a reason...and truly believe this. This is another hard lesson. Good things do not last forever.
Uncanny that I am headed to Lake Geneva Wisconsin tomorrow to break away from it all and spend the weekend with my husband,5 year old, and in-laws. I will think of Randy and his family, and the family at CBS2. I can not imagine how they are feeling.
The love within this great team was infectious and I brought it to my GFS sales office daily.
He made me laugh outloud so often as my family was taking in their best dreams waiting to awake in this uncertain world. With that one hour of inspiration I too would rise to the occasion and take on all challenges within the day.
My heart is sad. My husband is a Grateful Dead fan and I now know the lost he felt with the passing of Jerry Garcia. There are so little things that we can truly rely on these days and now too Randy has been taken from us.
My heart goes out to his family. I remember standing 4 years ago at the South Side Irish Parade with my 1 month old son, first born, and the best part of the parade was seeing the Channel 2 news team. Randy at the hull. Love Roseanne and Ed and Susan as well.
I went to ISU with Randy and vaguely remember him. I did receive a degree in Communications and was the camera person. I did not follow my dream as the market was skinny and found success in the sales end of things. It was very gratifying to see someone from ISU succeed in this profession. To share his success daily brought memories and the excitement of youth.
May God Bless you and his family. I can not even tell you how much he will be missed.
-- Colleen Barrett
I am so saddened by the death of Randy. I watch the early morning news each day before work and have since June of 2005. What captured my attention to the CBS morning crew was how well everyone worked together and the non-scripted joking that regularly occurred. I was entertained by Randy's dry humor and wit and you could just tell that he was the glue of the team by the quick looks and numerous jokes that were directed at him. My prayers and sympathy go out to his family and coworkers who must be feeling a great loss right now.
-- Jess
Dear Salerno Family & Folks @ Channel 2:
I did not think I had any tears left; as I have lost my dad on January 12,2007. My heart has felt the tears today as hearing of the loss of Randy Salerno. I , and my dad had seen him on the news at both Channel 2 and WGN. Announcers seem to not be family members, yet, when such a tragedy as this occurs, you realize, they are part of your life through the media of television. He will be missed. I hopefully know that the door we call death, opens to the other side, to find out we have eternal life and our true sense of life is intact. May Randy be feeling this right now.
-- Michael Phillippe
To ALL of the CBS family, and all of Randy's family and friends everywhere:
I am so so sorry for your incredible loss. I have watched your news coverage for about 20 years now, since I was a teenager, and I was so happy when Randy and Roseanne were "together again" for the morning broadcast. Their partnership, teamwork, and devoted friendship to eachother, as well as the others on the AM crew was so apparent, and it was such a pleasure to watch, even at that unheard of hour. Listening to Randy was like hearing a friend tell you what was going on in the world, not a stranger.
I am just so sad for his families. Both the family he had with his wife and kids, and for all of you as well. It is clear with every newscast, that there is a lot of real admiration and caring among all of you for one another. You are all thought of tonight, with special prayers.
My sincere sympathies to all who loved Randy.
Sandra Sipari
Wheaton, Ill.
...our lives were touched, only briefly, by Randy, when our kids played on the same basketball team. Charlie, Cameron and Conner played in the CLBA (Crystal Lake Basketball Association). Randy was the head coach. It was easy to see why he was so well liked. Simple, Authentic, Genuine. My thoughts go out to his family and the CBS2 Chicago News Team.
Steve Castro - Lake in the Hills, IL
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