Jan 28, 2008 5:35 am US/Central
Viewers' Comments On Randy Salerno - Part 9
Viewers share their thoughts and memories of CBS 2 Morning anchor Randy Salerno, who passed away in a snowmobiling accident late Thursday night.
The news of Randy Solerno's death came as such a shock. Although I didn't know him, his onscreen persona was that of a vibrant, down-to-earth man who loved life. I enjoyed watching him deliver the news for years. He helped make getting up at 4 AM just a little bit easier. Opening the broadcast this morning and leaving his seat empty made such a powerful statement, it brought me to tears. My thoughts and sincere condolences go out to Randy's family and colleagues at CBS 2.
--Gwen Stephens, Naperville
I am sitting here this morning and watching everyone on the news and my heart goes out to you all. I know what it feels like to lose a love one especially when they go on a trip and you think that they will return but they don't and you never got to say good-bye as my dad went away and drowned in Boston on a trip the day he got there. I am sure Randy knew how much all of you loved him, and knew that all of you were not just co-workers but family to him. It is still so hard to believe that he will never be back in the seat next to Roseanne, and the news will never will be the same without him, as a piece of the cake will be missing. I am praying for his family at work and his family at home especially his wife and three beautiful children. To his wife and children your husband and dad will always be watching over you, and remember the great times and how much he loved you and always will. He might not be here in person but his memories and esp ecially his personality will live in the hearts of everyone forever.
--With Sympathy, Pauline Griffin, Chicago
Roseanne, Susan, Ed and Kris,
As usual I tuned into the news at 5:00 a.m. today. I think you guys are great. I feel your pain and your loss, obviously not as much as you do. I would like to offer some comfort for all of you: Each of you will get through this very difficullt time, let your emotions come out. Everything that you are feeling is normal, why-how come-etc. In time this will pass and each of you will the great memories of Randy. Someday each of you will look back on this time, and I bet that you will only see one set of "footprints in the sand" because the good Lord will get you through this very difficult time. Each of you need to be strong for each other and more important Randys wife and children. The tribute this morning specificaly the empty chair was very moving. Keep up the great work. Roseanne, each day will indeed get just a bit better, I know you don't see that now but it will.
--Jeff Kohn
I was as shocked to hear the news of Randy's passing as I would have been if he were one of my family! I have watched the Morning News program for years and truly feel as if you all are a part of my family. How sad to hear that such a good person was taken! I send my thoughts, prayers, and condolenscences to all of the Channel 2 News team and to Randy's wife, children and family! Let your loving memories of this fine gentleman help to heal your sorrow and grief at this time.
--With respect, Deb Evans, Valparaiso
I am from Peoria, Illinois where Randy worked at WHOI and WMBD TV in the 80s. Although I was too young to remember him back then, I do remember watching him when he was on WGN TV. He was always one to joke and made your day that much better with his quick one liners and funny comments. I was stunned when I read my local paper Friday morning to find out he was in a snowmobile accident. I would have to say that when I would watch the WGN News here in Peoria or WBBM when I traveled to Chicago, I always looked forward to Randy's newscasts. My thoughts and prayers go out to Randy's wife, kids, and his colleagues at WBBM.
--Nick
All I can say is my heart goes out to the Salerno Family, I use to watch him on Channel 9 all those years, But changed over to Channel 2. It seems you just couldn't get enough of his sense of humor. He will be sadly missed.
--Bob, Hanover Park
Hello I am the assistant service manager at Motor Werks of Barrington. I used to be the guy who took care of Randy's car. I am shocked to hear the news about what happened to Randy. I am sure you are getting a lot of e-mails about this terrible accident. In my job I deal with some very difficult people and Randy was the exact opposite. He was always very nice to me and my coworkers. We here at Motor Werks are very sorry to hear about this tragedy, and are prayers to his wife, kids, and family. I never would have thought the last time I said goodbye to Randy, it would be the last time I would see him. He was a great man and will be missed here at Motor Werks.
--Sincerely, Brian Gerharz
Dear Roseanne, Susan, Ed, Bill, Kristyn, Irene and Children,
Sometimes, someone so special is taken away much too soon that your first instinct is to say "No, no God, take it back, take it back-you made a mistake". Sometimes you hear the news of the sudden and tragic loss of an incredible, vibrant and dynamic human being and you can't wrap your brain around the reality of it because you are so numb and overwhelmed with grief. Sometimes a most beloved person who is so good-hearted and kind, the kind of person that whenever you spend time with them you always walk away with a smile on your face, is gone and you know that even as time is said to heal all wound it will NEVER heal the loss of that person. Randy is all of the above and so much more than words can describe. I am so, so very sorry for all of you from the bottom of my heart. It was so apparent everyday on the air the genuine close friendship and love that you had for each other. Even more obvious was the love that Randy had for his wife and children, look back on the tapes and watch how he smiled with the corner of the eyes when he spoke of them. Remember how he used to love to play the "Would You Rather..." game at the dinner table with his kids? It has been many years that all of you have been in my home every single weekday morning. It is amazing how Chicagoans, as well as myself, feel as though you are members of our very own family (the good relatives mind you). I wish I could take away your sadness, I know I can't. It will still be my pleasure to welcome you into my home every weekday morning. Since Randy's wit and love of life has touched all of you (as you did his) I know that when you broadcast from now on, part of him and his sense of humor will forever live on in your words. My prayers and thoughts remain with you.
--Sincerely, Pam Ross, Lake Zurich
It is still just unbelievable that Randy is gone. I know that his family, colleagues, friends and the Chicago area feel the same. He was just a larger than life presence and that was evident in all that he did. Everyone
called him the comsummate newsman and that is just exactly what he was. He came into my home and others every day at 5:00 A.M.
and we started our day with him. He was like a friend to all because of his personality and beautiful spirit. The morning team always were the best as he was. They could report the hard news and yet through their humor
you did not feel like the world was coming to an end. They lightened up the broadcast and especially Randy. I e-mailed many times to say what a great team they were. And to my amazement got an e-mail from Randy. Sure wish I had kept it but it was kind of him. That tells me volumes about his caring for all. The team will go on but a big chair will never be filled
with a man of Randy's character and personality because there was truly only one that could fill that bill. Randy. Tomorrow will be a sad day for your viewing audience. The fact will become reality and heartache will truly set it. I pray that God wraps His love, peace and comfort around
his wife, children, colleagues and friends. What a tremendous loss for all.
--Sincerely, Neva Domasica
As a recent intern at WBBM-TV, I am just devastated by the news of Randy Salerno's passing. I vividly remember walking down the hallway at WBBM-TV and seeing this wonderful man, who stood so tall, and had so much energy and charisma, walk from the studio to his office. He will be missed, but never forgotten. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to anybody who knew Randy, the entire CBS 2 and WGN news team, and most of all Randy's family. This is a very rough time for us all – and I know Randy is looking down at us – wanting us to be strong, move on, and smile!
--James Valles
Just hearing the kind of person he was from his friends - wow- what a legacy and what heartbreak. This man did what all of us can only hope to do while we are on this earth, touch so many lives is such a positive way. May God's blessings comfort his family and friends who are missing him more than words can possibly describe.
--Michelle Phillips
I am going to miss Randy in the mornings, I just love the way he smiled and his corny one liners. He was a breath of fresh air. I learned about Randy's death late Friday afternoon when I logged onto CBS 2 website and saw his face then I read the headlines and just could not make sense of what happened. He will truly be missed. My condolences goes out to his wife, children and his extended family at CBS 2 Chicago.
--Charlyne
To all who loved Randy, we know of Randy from WGN. My 20 year old son and I used to watch him before he went to school. Many, many laughs and good mornings. It wasn't until I started working at Sam's Club that I had the privilege to experience him in person. What a genuinely nice guy too! He was a gift, not only to "TV" life but "everyday" living too. Our most heart felt condolences to his family at this time. What a loss!! We loved you and will miss you Randy. God Bless, the Tiedel Family of Algonquin.
--Randy, Tracy & Jason
I am so sorry about Randy. It's because he joined CBS along with Rosanne I became a viewer. I will miss him very much. I offer my deepest sympathy to his family. --Jill Greenbaum
I was saddened and shocked to hear that such a wonderful young man has left us. I was fortunate to have been one of his teachers through his High School years and want every one to know how special he was. He was an excellent, fun-loving, yet very caring, young student athlete. He came up to me during the July 4th parade in Crystal Lake a few years ago and we talked about his world travels with his great family. What a joy to have known him and how sad he had to leave us so soon. God rest his soul and console his wonderful family and friends. --Don Noonan. Bastop, Texas.
I started every morning by watching Randy and his team reporting the news. I enjoyed the chemistry on the set between everyone and found them all to be very entertaining. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends and his colleagues during this difficult time. After watching the broadcast tonight, I learned that Randy was a fan and friend of Jimmy Buffett. From one Parrothead to another, Sail on Randy. Sail on.--Lisa Litviak
My heart goes out to his family. Chicago loved Randy. I as many others only knew him though his newscast. But we all felt his warmth and humor portrayed in his work. We will miss him dearly. --Kim C. of Romeoville
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Salerno family. My children went to school at North Elementary with his children up until last year. It was just a known fact that Randy was going to be a presence at the annual "winter carnival". A man who clearly was very devoted to his family. He always made time to volunteer at school. He was such a kind person. I talked to him about a month ago a the local hair salon were he would get his haircut. Any fancy salon in Chicago and he chose a small salon in Crystal Lake. He had a big city job, but had a small town heart! His last words to me were "let me know how my hair looks on air tomorrow". When I heard the news, I was shocked! The only thing I could think of was his family. His son and middle daughter are the same age as my children. I hope and pray that somehow they are able to find the strengh to make it through this. Randy was a wonderful person and it was evident that he was a devoted father. May you find strengh...may you find peace.--TW of Crystal Lake
You can add me to the list of those shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved morning anchor Randy Salerno. I do recall encountering him outside Minute Maid Park in Houston while I lived there during the 2005 World Series. He was very enthusiastic and a pleasure to communicate with. Randy had a ball covering the World Series even though he did admit with fun that he had a hard time rooting for the White Sox given the fact that he admitted his Cubs allegiance. Several days later he greeted me as I walked passed Minute Maid Park poking fun at me for being overconfident about the Astros. No matter the situation, he was one of the nicest guys you ever had. I have since moved to Phoenix last summer and was hoping Randy would've made the trip when the D-Backs were playing the Cubs in the NLCS poking fun at me again. Randy will be terribly missed as I do remember first watching him during high school living in Darien. God Bless. -- Van Kim of Phoenix, Ariz.
I wanted to say my heart goes out to the Salerno family at this time of loss. I had a chance to see Randy twice at a CBS 2 event and saw his warmth and creative style. He not only knew how to break a story, but how to keep the viewer tuned in to the story. Randy, I'll miss you today, tomorrow, and forever as part of this great team. --Michael J Murphy Aurora,IL
My thoughts and prayers goes out to his family, parents, relatives and friends. His colleagues at CBS 2 Chicago and his thousands of valued viewers will surely miss him. May he rest in peace - Gerry M. Ferrer
How blessed we all were to have Randy touch our lives. I am just a viewer, but I can tell he radiated class, energy, strength, love, and laughter. Moments like this show the viewing population just how much local TV news anchors become a part of our own homes and daily life and you are all so much appreciated. I will miss hearing his familiar voice coming from my TV in the next room – (followed by Roseanne Tellez cracking up). To his family at home, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with the world. To his media family - "the show must go on" – must be the most painful thing to carry out at this time and I feel for you all. I am sure his strong spirit in life carries on in the after-life, and we can smile through our tears knowing that he lives on. -- Kirsten Hill
First, I would like to take this time out and say to Mrs. Salerno that my heart goes out to you and your children. I also lost my husband suddenly 2 years ago. I just want to tell you to take one day at a time and stay strong. Secondly, I would like to say to his friends, co-workers and viewers that two peoples lives were destroyed on that cold and winter night. Everyone has to remember that the driver was Mr. Salerno's long and close friend. We need to give his friend some suppor because it's nothing anyone can say and do to him that he won't do to himself. Because each time he looks in Mr. Salerno's children's faces he will remember that awful night. --Katie of Chicago
Every morning we brought CBS into our house, they were just like one of our family members. When something this awful happens to one of them it's like losing one of our own family members. You will never be able to replace Randy. He was one of a kind and he will always be missed. --Mary Pointon and Rich Doughty
As this viewer sees it, Randy grew up to be one of the best reporters in the chicago television. While I was watching him report the news I knew that one day he will be anchoring one the the four major television networks in the Chicago area. Randy knew his stuff. And everyone knew it. But there is one thing that Randy liked, And that is his family and friends. His three kids and his wife. But most of all, he got along with everyone he worked with. We will all miss Randy and I know its going to hard for everyone at CBS2 and WGN. Like one certain person said,he is like a brother. Rest in peace Randy. -- Robert Jasin
Randy was the exception to the rule – the best at what he did with delivery of the news with an exceptional sense of humor. My condolences to his family – a loss that we share with them and my thoughts and prayers are with them. -- Sandra McLean
I am so sad to hear about Randy's death; it shocking. I will miss him in the morning. I loved his wit. I feel I share the same pain that Roseanne, Susan, and Ed are going through as it was the five of us in my family room each morning before work. He was a great anchor. Why? He was a regular guy - a Chicagoan - reporting the news. -- Joan Biebel
Our Thoughts & prayer's go out to his family personal, professional,friends & fans. You hear about how he loved his family, and was always good for a laugh or prank. I can tell you from a fan's point of view: he interviewed me about a crying icon over at St. Nichoals brickyard area I'll never forget it. You see, I was going through a lot back then. I had to see this miracle for myself. So I took a ride on my bike from Jefferson Park about 20 min's from home. Anyway, I lock up my bike outside the church and turn around, and out of nowhere is Randy Salerno. I couldn't believe it. With his mike in hand he rushes over to me to ask if he could interveiw me. Now you must must remember this is about a crying icon--anyway I said no. But he kept talking to me, saying all kinds of stuff -- really putting me at ease.So he got me for the interview. My 15 seconds of fame was there. Something my WHOLE FAMILY won't let me forget! --Randy Hughes
We truly have lost one of our very own! What a tragic lost for his family, friends and Chicago...he will be missed.....that's for sure....God watch over his wife, 3 children, mother, father, sister and brother....they have a star in heaven. -- Mary and Ralph
There are too many wonderful memories of Randy. Every morning I would watch all of you. You are all my morning family. I am so devastated as I know all of you are. I had no idea what happened. Friday my station for some reason was not working. I'm so sorry for all of you--Roseanne, Susan, and Ed. It will be hard but we will get though it. We were all family, his TV family. And God Bless his wife and children and the rest of his family. Hang in there tv family. -- Roseann Satler
We are so deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Randy Salerno. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, to all at CBS but especially those on the Morning News team who worked so closely with Randy. Randy will be missed and remembered by the many whose lives he touched. -- José and Mary Luque, Frankfort, IL
Our deepest condolences. What an absolute shame that this wonderful husband & father be taken away too soon. He had the world in front of him. He is truly what everyone else is saying. A true person, always nice to everyone. Everyone that knew Randy knew that. He will be missed by all. He was our "Star" of Crystal Lake. I felt proud to know him. God bless Irene and the children. Give them the strength they need to make it through this difficult time. You are truly in our prayers. -- The Komes Family
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Randy Salerno. I would watch him at lunch time as I made my kids lunch. I always enjoyed the program. My prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time. I know he will be missed. -- Kari Snodgrass
Randy was a great jounalist. Had a warm welcome each morning and showed his caring side often. It will be difficult to wake up each morning without him. Our hearts and prayers are with all of his family and CBS Family. -- Gayle Stricklin, Joliet
I want to express my sincere condolences to the CBS2 family and the immediate family of Randy Salerno. You cannot begin to imagine how shocked I was to read about his passing Friday afternoon on the internet. I watched him on the WGN news back when he started there and he was very good at delivering the news for whatever story it was whether he was reporting or anchoring. I always watched the WGN news at 9 when he was on. Watching all the clips of his days at Channel 9 and Channel 2, he was a funny guy and had a great sense of humor. Randy was too young to die. I lost my father two years ago to a devastating disease of Alzheimer's, now an empty space has been left here in the City of Chicago with Randy not being here to deliver the news to the people of Chicago. He will be missed and to his family think of all the good times that you had with him. After all he lives in all of you. --Jeannine Lascola
Me and my family want to let Randy's family and the whole CBS 2 morning news team our deepest sympathies and prayers are with them. Wishing you well through this tragic time. --James Leffew and family- Chicago
I just want to express my deepest sympathy to Randy Salerno's family, colleagues, and friends. I wake up everyday to watch Randy and Roseanne before I go off to my job as a teacher. They always start my day with a smile. I would look forward to listening to what Randy had to say each day. He had a wit and personality that was very endearing. He was a captivating anchor and personality. My heart goes out to his family and children. My prayers are with everyone who is suffering this tremendous loss. He touched many people and I, just a viewer, am grateful for his on air gifts. Real people like Randy are a special treasure.
God bless his family and friends. -- Kathy Mueller
I am very sorry for your loss. Randy was a very good person to watch I know Jack Rosenberg new him well. They say a real major snow storm is going to hit Chicago. What are we looking at 2 feet or more? Any info would be greatly appreciated. -- Eric Dulkin
I found out about your loss of Randy Salerno on a sister station of your's, WFRV in Green Bay,WI. I'm sorry for your loss. -- Michael Newbold of Berlin,Wis.
To Randy's family and extended family I am so sad to hear of this tragedy.We have lost someone so dear to everyone.My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Randy has inspired and touched the hearts of millions.Its very hard to put into words when you see how everyone is affected by this tragedy.You just want to give everyone a hug. I will keep them in my prayers everyday.My heart breaks when thinking of everyone who was close to him and had the privilege to work closely with. He always was professional, very smart and funny.This morning team was the most watched in our viewing area. Thank you channel 2 for the wonderful memories I loved those commercials promoting the news team. I am glad we will be able to hold our memories close to our hearts. I wish gods speed to everyone. -- Diane (Berwyn,Ill.)
Randy will be missed soooo much. I remember watching Randy on the news. . . a lot. I thought he was the cutest man in news. I loved his hair and his smiling eyes. He was funny and fun to watch as he interacted with groups from all diversities and background. He was definitely outgoing. I will miss him so much. Also, I don't think that his friend should be charged with his murder. I don't believe that he was so drunk that it caused the accident. Besides; think about it, if Randy, being the sound man of standards that he was, thought that his friend was too drunk to drive, I don't think that Randy would have gotten on the snowmobile with him. It was snow, cold and no doubt icy. Losing Randy is punishment enough for all of us. I love Irene's thoughts and that she will not be angry with Randy's best friend and a childhood friend. It was a horrible accident, indeed. My thoughts of kindness and prayers goes out to Irene and the children. -- Wendy Fields Maxie
My husband Jim and I would like to extend our condolences to your family Randy was a real genuine guy. We watched him on TV often when he was on WGN and also on CBS 2. It's hard to imagine that he's gone. We will never forget his quick wit and how he made everyone laugh where ever he went and everything he did. Again our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sincerely
--Debbie & Jim Heine, McHenry
To Randy's family and extended family I am so sad to hear of this tragedy. We have lost someone so dear to everyone.My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Randy has inspired and touched the hearts of millions. It's very hard to put into words when you see how everyone is affected by this tragedy. You just want to give everyone a hug. I will keep them in my prayers everyday. My heart breaks when thinking of everyone who was close to him and had the privilege to work closely with. He always was professional, very smart and funny. This morning team was the most watched in our viewing area. Thank you channel 2 for the wonderful memories I loved those commercials promoting the news team. I am glad we will be able to hold our memories close to our hearts. I wish gods speed to everyone.
--Anonymous
I was shocked and so saddened to hear about Randy's death. I watched him consistently on WGN, and once he moved to CBS, I, too, changed to the CBS morning news. He & Roseanne made such a wonderful team; it was like they were not even working together; just so relaxed as they gave us the most informative news stories. The city of Chicago has lost a wonderful person and my thoughts & prayers go to his wife, children, and his extended family. Sincerely,
--Gina Petrecca, Bartlett
Watching Randy on the news was an enjoyable start ot my morning. However gruesome the news, Randy always did something to lessen the tension. I will really miss him alot. My prayers to his family and to the channel 2 staff.
--Vera
As Randy Salerno's former high school principal, I can re-affirm all of your sentiments that Randy was one of the most amicable and caring student athletes I had ever known in my 38 years in my professional career. Randy was the same humble, humane, witty, and humorous person in his adult success as he was in the 80's. He was one of my personal choices to read the morning announcements and sports results at Crystal Lake South High School because he had that special quality of voice then that all of you WGN and CBS fans grew to love. He will be sorely missed by all of you, but I want you to know that you are correct in your analysis of a special person. God bless his soul and may he rest in peace in that heavenly place.
--Sincerely, Ken Bruhn, Grenelefe, Florida
When vince started Friday's 11am show, I was at work and had to find a place to sit down, just to wrap my brain around what was being announced. If it matters at all, my husband & I have discussed Randy's passing much, much this weekend. Stunned. Just stunned. Waking up with the 2 Team was..is...part of our routine. His charm and wit will echo. We feel for his family and also Roseanne, who must feel as if she's lost her right arm. Sincere thoughts to all.
--Lori & family
To Randy's children, your dad was a well loved man. He will never leave your hearts, he will always be with you always!! God's speed Randy, all of Chicago will miss you. God bless
--Eric Serchuk, Mt. Prospect
Just a great person to watch in the morning. He always made me laugh. He will missed dearly. My heart goes out to his friends and family
--Karen J.
I am new to Chicago, only being here since August. Randy Salerno instantly became my "morning guy." He and Roseanne had a chemistry rarely seen on screen, and now that I've learned they spent 16 years together it's no wonder! Randy reminded me of Jim O'Brien of WPVI in Philadelphia. Jim was an all purpose TV personality, doing everything from radio, the weather, news and specials. He was a cornerstone of his community and not only did he not avoid the public, he understood he was there to serve them. Everything I've heard and read about Randy seems to be the same. Similar to Randy's tragic demise, Jim was killed in a skydiving accident in 1983. If you weren't from Philadelphia you may never had heard his name, but after his death Jim became known nationally as "Peri Gilpin's father". His loss was devastating to our community, not as a TV personality, but as a father, leader and compassionate friend. Twenty five years later my heart became very heavy last Friday morning as I remembered that tragic Sunday when I received the news of Jim's passing. It seems like only 25 days ago. Personally, my heart truly grieved for Randy's friends and colleagues as I could sense their anguish and loss. In today's highly competitive industry of TV journalism, talented and attractive anchors are seemingly a dime a dozen. People like Randy Salerno and Jim O'Brien were one in ten million. Although I never met Randy I was friends with Jim. Knowing Jim I can see why Randy's friends and colleagues have offered such warm, caring and tender words about the man they loved and respected so much. My mornings in Chicago won't be the same.
--Stephen S. Knepp, Oakbrook Terrace, via Pottstown PA
I am feeling very sad with the loss of Randy. I watched the early morning news getting ready for work. Randy along with Roseanne delivered the early news with a calming touch to the most stressful reporting stories. His sincere and yet at times comical style that he delivered the new was the best awakening in the early morning hours we could have listened to in the TV industry. Sincere and heartfelt prayers to the entire family.
--L. Capua
I have been in Florida all week and when I watched the Sunday 10 a.m. news, I didnt realize right away when they mentioned the upcoming lotto piece that Randy was gone until I saw all the articles on the web-site they showed. Seeing Remembering Randy didn't even hit home because I was in such shock. I went exercising every morning at 5:30 and the TV by
my treadmill was always on Ch2. Randy had a quick wit and quick comeback; the team will go on but a piece of the puzzle will always be missing. My deepest condolances to his family and also his family at Ch2. May God Bless him and grant Randy eternal piece. God's Blessings to all of you also.
--Sherri Michaels, Wilmington
I wanted to extend my condolences to everyone at Channel 2 and to Randy's family and friends. I know you all must be hurting a lot as I didn't know Randy personally yet I will miss him dearly. I always started my mornings out listening to Randy, Roseanne, Susan and Ed. They really helped start my day off right. They were a great team! I know when I start my day on Monday, it won't be the same. The CBS team was a part of my work day. I want you all to know that your daily viewers, like myself, will greatly miss Randy. He was a great guy! Hearing what a family man he was, I feel what a great loss his wife and kids must feel. Please be sure to let them know I and others like myself will never forget Randy. Also, please know that I will pray for Randy's family and his friends that God will comfort them in this difficult time. God Bless.
--Donna Blanton, Tinley Park
We are so saddened to hear about Randy. We watched him every morning before work. His on screen presence was so fun to watch. His humor, style and excellent way of reporting the news was so fun to watch. You could see how everyone loved him and all got along. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and his Channel 2 co-workers. He will be sadly missed forever. Please keep him as a special mention on Channel 2 mornings. Randy and Roseanne were great together!
--The Parisi's
As a budding communications consultant, I applied for an internship at WGN sometime in the late '90s and got the brief chance to meet Randy Salerno. I've also spent the last two years waking up to both Randy and Roseanne: Funny. Smart. Good looking. Kind-hearted. It's a tragic, tragic loss, and many of your viewers -- including me -- continue to reel from it. One respectful request: I was born and raised in Wisconsin, so I've experienced the devastating tragegies that have ensued from drunk-snowmobiling, drunk-skiing, and drunk-driving from the terrains of Eagle River and Door County. However, as friends, as colleauges, as family members, I was simply saddened that his lifelong friend was charged with homicide. Haven't you all suffered enough? Can't we heal and have this a lesson learned? Does another family have to be destroyed by the stupidity of drinking and driving? I can't possibly excuse this behavior, but I'd just ask you consider: "what would Randy want out of this?" Thank you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
--Rebecca L. Voss, Chicago
I wake up at 4:45 a.m. every morning, so I can have a cup of coffee in my hand by the start of the CBS 2 morning news. My prayers go out to what I perceived as Randy's television family: Roseanne, his on-air wife, to Ed, his on-air brother and to Susan, his on-air little sister. My heart also goes out to his wife and children in Crystal Lake. Randy was very witty and the news was never the same on the days he wasn't there. His larger-than-life presence will sorely be missed.
--Maryam Ahmad, Chicago
I have been watching CBS news every morning as I get ready for work for about 5 years. I used to watch ABC. The camaraderie between the CBS news crew was the reason I switched. Randy was always a bit sarcastic and very humorous. He had a very natural way about himself in front of the camera. On his days off I always missed his funny comments and easy way with the news. He was also very easy on the eye, a very handsome man. I was saddened to hear about his death. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I and all of Chicagoland will miss Randy Salerno.
--Judy Flaherty
I met Randy Salerno when he was covering politics. He could have been aggressive and pushed his way through crowds regardless of whom he was knocking around, like most reporters. Instead he was so kind and careful not to get in the way. Most importantly I suffer profoundly from depression. I am unable to work or sleep much. I would look forward to his personality and wit every morning when I woke up feeling awful because he could always make him smile. I'm devastated. He was such a part of my life and I didn't even know it. I can't believe it happened on Thursday and somehow I didn't learn of it until Sunday. I missed the last two broadcasts because I actually slept late. I can't help crying. He was so young. All my condolences go out to his family and those close to him who loved him. It came through his TV personality that he was very happy and lovable.
--Dawn Durante, Itasca
I'm just devastated at the loss of my favorite news personality; I couldn't possibly add anything that hasn't already been said about Randy Salerno.
My heart goes out to his entire family, his many friends and co-workers and I hope they know how much he meant to regular viewers like myself.
--Darlene T., Chicago
The kind, witty, and genuine man will be missed! A gentle giant - very tall.
Had the pleasure of meeting him and talking to him. A very 'real' and 'honest' person! God bless his family! And God bless Randy! Another angel to watch over us.
--LT
Dear Randy..an Angel now in Heaven: You planned a fun-filled trip with old friends out to Eagle River with snowmobiling as the main adventure. You were with your best friend, Scott, who I am sure comforted you with warm conversation and laughter! You probably talked of your wife, Irene and your beautiful children that have brought you so much joy. Never did you expect your adventure to end the way it did and if we could hear your words, I am sure you wouldn't want Scott to suffer anymore than he is at this time as well as your family. You lived your life to the fullest as a bright light for everyone and we are lucky to have known you and for you to have shared your knowledge, humor, charm and so much heart with all of us through the morning news! You inspired so many people and then you would even drive home to Crystal Lake at the end of your work day to be the wonderful husband, father to your family that you so loved. You my friend, are a Class Act with many gifts from God. Now, God has you in his hands and you are looking down on the ones you love. May you bring joy to everyone in Heaven with you! You will stay warm forever in our hearts.
--Love, Dana Madda, Chicago
I am so sad about Randy. I loved the morning 2 news because of the chemistry of the morning team. I loved his irreverence. He made the news, good and bad, tolerable and was a great way to start my day. I feel like I have lost a good friend. I am sorry for your loss.
--Diana L. Dibkey, Michigan City, Ind.
After working the midnight shift during the week, I'd make sure to watch the CBS morning team, Randy was good to watch. He'd get the team rolling with laughter, he had his own style. I was shocked when I read the news, I couldn't believe we had lost him. Randy was a great personality, he will be missed in Valparaiso
-- Mike Smith
I found out about Randy Salerno's passing when I read the newspaper Saturday morning; a big picture of Randy and the story of what had happened. I just couldn't believe it, I was so saddened when reading the news. He was my absolute favorite news reporter, and what a team with Roseanne. When you saw him, he gave you a feeling of contentment, almost like you knew him personally. He was so easy to watch and listen to, the greatest news reporter with charisma. He will surely be missed.
--Paula Jaris, Tinley Park
Randy was a great news reporter. He will be truly missed.
--Diana Montalvan
Randy Salerno will be sadly missed. I always started my day watching him on CBS 2 morning news. He positive outlook was so uplifting and motivating to me. Thanks for the great memories.
--Leanne Stoddard
My thoughts and prayers are with Randy's family. You could tell that Randy understood that reporters/anchors truly become part of the viewer's family. When great Chicagoan's leave us to early – Bob Collins, Tim Weigel, John Drury and now Randy – it brings a tear to our eyes and a pit in our stomach. Take care.
--C. Wille, Lockport
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