Remembering Randy Salerno

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

I was in absolute shock last Friday evening when I heard the news about Randy. I was so upset to hear he had passed away. When Randy and Rosanne were on channel 9 I watched them all the time. When Rosanne came to channel 2 I just knew Randy would be with her. Rosanne and Randy were a GREAT team! I was always bored with the news until I started watching them on WGN and then on CBS. They were always smiling, laughing, they made you feel like you were their family and friend. Randy was so funny, he made my day! Randy will be truly missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and the entire CBS news and WGN news co workers. All of us will miss him more than words can say. Just remember, wasn't it wonderful to have had someone like Randy in our lives if only for a short time than not to have known someone so wonderful, kind, funny and gorgeous at all? Everytime I see Rosanne Tellez I always look for Randy. I know this is so hard for her. We all feel the same pain. You have to be strong and be there for each other. My prayers also go out to his friend who was driving the snow mobile and to his family. Both families are suffering a tremendous loss.
Stay strong and and keep both families in our thoughts and prayers.
--Annette

I never met Randy and I didn't know Randy personally, but I feel I did.
I watched him every morning before going for chemotherapy and radiation.
I am 67 years old and have enjoyed my life.
Even though Randy was only here for 45 years, I feel he also enjoyed his life to the fullest. He brought joy to many.
My heart goes out to his wife and children, I pray they remember all the good times
they had with the wonderful husband and Father that he was.
As long as he is in your heart, he will always be with you.
--Lisa Coatney

I remember watching Randy at 11:00am he was a nice young man he was a good man I miss Randy now. He was also funny man he felt like a good friend.
--Anonymous

To: Randy Salerno's Family
There will come a day
when your tears of sorrow
will softly flow into tears of remembrance...
and your heart will begin to heal itself...
and grieving will be interrupted by episodes of joy...
and you will hear the whisper of hope.
There will come a day
when you will welcome the tears of remembrance...
as a sunshower of the soul...
a turning of the tide...
a promise of peace.
There will come a day when you will...
risk loving...
From Tanua Cole

I was out of town for the weekend and did not hear of Randy's death until Monday morning. His loss is heartbreaking, and I know that there is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his loved ones.
--Donna from Plainfield

I remember enjoying Randy on WGN and once he moved to CBS I also switched to CBS. How sad to have him gone he is a big lost to one and all. I can't think of one person who didn't think he was the best. He will be missed.
--Anonymous

After my friend Lenie informed me of his passing Friday night, I cried inside and the time seemed to stop momentarily. I refused to believe for selfish reason of course, because just like all of CBS 2 5:30 a.m. team follower, my weekly mornings also begin with them, Mr. Salerno obviously is one of my favorites.
My condolences to all who love and admire Randy Salerno. His face, smile and most of all his good sense of humor that we all appreciate watching in the morning will be truly missed.
What a great team you have CBS Chicago. God speed and keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Mfarina

To the Salerno Family, CBS & WGN Families;
I've been filled with such sadness over the untimely passing of Randy Salerno. I didn't know him except through watching the news. When I met him at the CL Holiday Inn while he was emceeing a charity event; I was somewhat awestruck. He was so quiet and unassuming and low-keyed. His smile is what got me. He has such a beautiful smile and that is what I'll miss.
It's hard watching the news now that he's no longer here. It really hit home when we were driving past the funeral home that he's gone. I know how painful it must be for the family to suffer such a tragic loss.
Like Irene, I lost my husband almost to the date a that Randy passed on (a year ago) and most recently; my dad two months ago. The hurt and pain has eased, but there is such a void; it is sometimes unbearable to deal with. Irene's greatest solace is that Randy will live on through his children, which will bring great comfort to Irene and the rest of the family. I feel mostly for the children as they are so young to lose their father. My own young son feels his loss still.
You have such wonderful memories of your loved one that it will help keep him alive in your hearts. Cherish how Randy lived his life and not dwell on how he lost his life no matter untimely his death was. A song that has brought comfort to me is "THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS".
Randy's family will have that solace as Randy will now be "the wind beneath their wings".
God bless the families bound by this tragic loss. May you find peace and call on God to help you through the rough moments. It'll help. You are surrounded by people who love you and share in your grief
--JEANNE; Crystal Lake

I have been watching CBS in the morning for some years now before I would go to work. Everyday I would leave my house with a smile just to think on how much he made me and you all laugh. Now with him gone I feel an emptiness only to be filled with all the happy times that he gave us. Even though I didn't know him personally he made it like we were all family. So many times he would turn my day positive. My prayers go out to his family, may we remember him for his happy times he gave us.
--Daniel R.

Starting a new work day without Randy doing the news with Roseanne is almost unthinkable! There were mornings that I just could not get started, and Randy's smile and humor made getting going so easy. I feel for his news family and his real family, I can't imagine the void you are feeling. It truly will be hard to replace him……they will have to search far and wide to find someone with Randy's dynamic personality. What a loss for CBS 2 Chicago Morning News!
--Sharon

CBS2 Chicago Morning News was what I watched every day before I left for school. They always made me smile. I will definitely miss one of the funniest people on television, Randy Salerno. He was always a joy to watch and the chemistry between every one on the show made the News something enjoyable. Randy Salerno will be greatly missed, but he is watching down on us and knows that the rest of the CBS2 Chicago team, his family, and his friends will make it through this.
--Jessie Mills

Randy was the David Letterman of morning news. Oh so witty.
--Mary

I really enjoyed watching Randy. It broke my heart when I was watching the news and heard of his passing. I feel like I have lost a family member. He could put a smile on my face. I wish only the best for his family.
--Sarah

Dear Roseanne, Ed, Sue, Bill, and everyone who worked with Randy,
Although I do not know any of you personally, your morning show has touched me like no other. The first thing I do in the morning is turn your show on as I make my way to the kitchen to get my coffee. Like your other viewers, I was stunned to hear of the death of Randy. I get tears in my eyes as I think about Randy and how fragile life is.
We all appreciate you and how you are continuing the broadcast.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
--Debbie

I always watched him on the news. I don't know him, but I will miss seeing him. To his family and friends, we will all miss him. I still can't believe he is gone. God bless you all.
--Mrs. L. Papaleo

I am still adjusting to the news. It is hard to watch the show without Randy. Whenever Roseanne starts to cry I want to reach out thru the TV and hug her.
We will all need to just hold onto each other. At least we have a guardian angel now whom is not only going to be looking out for us, but he will be giving some great one-liners there is heaven, just too bad that we won't be able to enjoy them.
REST IN PEACE RANDY - even though we needed you, God needed you more

I am so sorry for the loss of Randy. My heart goes out to his family and his CBS family. I always watch (listen to) CBS news every morning while getting ready for work. I loved Randy's sense of humor.
I guess it is beyond any words that Randy is gone. He will be missed. I will continue to watch (listen to) CBS news.
Love and Prayers to Randy's family and Randy's CBS family.
--Rose

Please know how very sorry I am to hear of Randy's death!! I have started my day with him for so long, and just loved the awesome and obvious friendship that Randy, Roseanne, Susan and Ed shared. He leaves such a void. I am so sad. I can only imagine how difficult it will be for all his family and friends. You are all in my prayers.
--Debbie Thomas

I am not a morning channel 2 watcher, but I have seen Randy on the air. I am so overwhelmed by the e-mails about him, that I'm sorry I didn't watch him. He must have been quite a fellow to affect people this way. I offer my sympathy to his family and his channel 2 family. My prayers to all of you.
Toni

Dear Haylie, Sloane and Charlie,
Oh kids what can I say? I know the pain you are feeling in losing your Dad. I lost my Mom when I was Charlie's age.
The only thing I can tell you was your Dad would never have left you if he could have helped it. Please remember the love and good times, and even when he scolded you. As you grow up, he will still be there in your hearts and minds. He will be that voice in your head guiding you through your life. When ever you hear a song that was his favorite, smile and laugh.
Irene, I know this must be so agonizing to lose the man you love. Give it time. He will be in your heart forever and may you remember all the love he gave you. He gave you wonderful kids. When you look at them you will see your Randy.
Roseanne, You break my heart. I can see just how much love you have for your friend. I am so impressed by how you refer to him as "Our Randy" We can see how much you loved him, and he loved you as well.
Joe Ahern, Thank you for dedicating so much time to this incredible man. I read some where a request by another viewer. Please consider putting a DVD together for his family.
Randy, I read a sympathy card once that had a man who died and went to heaven, As he enters heavens gates and Halls, he is greeted by all the people who went before him he touched in life. As he reaches Gods throne, God says "Well done my Son, well done" Well Done Randy. We love you!
--WAN

Even though I have never met Randy, I feel like he was "that guy" I knew in college.....The fun loving guy.
I have read the many emails and have seen the lovely tributes the CBS2 team has done. Please know that this is a comfort to all. One of Emerson's quotes sums up Randy's life: "It is not length of life but depth of life"
I am so sorry for his family's loss; for our loss. Rest easy.
--Meg, Park Ridge

I couldn't begin to express how saddened my husband and I with Randy's passing. We have watched CBS morning news since he came on board. I thought then, how could Channel 2 get so lucky in hiring this guy and what took them so long? We've never missed a day without watching the morning news. The whole team just have the perfect chemistry, it was a breath of fresh air. I couldn't even imagine what the whole team is going through. Randy, thanks for the great memories. They're ours forever to keep and cherish. I also want to thank my pastor, Gene Appel, for such a thoughtful and loving commentary about Randy. Chris, you could have not express it any better on how you feel about Randy, to quote "rest well, my friend, until we meet again". Upon hearing that, I am able to grieve and finally let go of my tears. In honor of Randy, we will keep on watching the channel 2 morning news. Keep up the good work, for Randy's memories. He'll be so proud of all of you.
--Edie

I am thankful for having seen Randy on both WGN and CBS 2. He was very skillful and humorous. My condolences to both the CBS 2 and Salerno families.
--Anonymous

I'm so very sorry for your loss. When I heard the news on by drive to work from Lisa and Ray a feeling of sadness came over me. I remember watching Randy, Roseanne, Susan and Ed all on WGN years ago. I can see you all were great friends and how hard this is for you. The clips are great and they are helping all of us to cope with this loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to Randy's wife, kids and family, TV family and friends. Randy will be greatly missed. Stay strong.
--Michele, Evergreen Park

Although I did not watch the news in the morning, I was deeply sadden to have heard of the loss of one of the many best CBS news anchor. He is now in heaven and is reporting the news from up above to the many good people he joins up there. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
--Veronica A.

I'm at a loss for words and still in shock. I woke up to the morning news cast and felt informed yet I felt that I was sitting with my friends. My heart goes out to the Salerno family and the entire morning crew. Thank you for allowing all the viewers to have the opportunity to share your loss and grieve together with you by sharing all those happy memories. Randy will never be forgotten. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your extended family. We will all get through this one day at a time. Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts.
--Lawrence Family, Pingree Grove IL

My husband and I are so sad about Randy. We woke up with him every morning and he always made us smile. His tragic and sudden death once again shows us how precious life is. Thank you Randy.
--Wendy Peal

Your tribute to Randy has been so beautiful. The background music makes it even more touching. Thank you for continuing with it each day. It's very heartwarming to all of us who are so heartbroken over this. My thoughts and prayers are with Randy's family and his TV family during this very sad time.
--Suzanne

I don't ever write emails, but this really hit me to the very core. I watched Randy at WGN for years. I was there when he got married, had his first child and along with Roseanne too. These two people over the many years have brought me so much laughter and I become very very fond of both of them. They get my day started. I am so glad that they both came to CBS2 together. My heart aches for his family at the lost of a husband, son, father and friend. My prayers are also with the very gracious Roseanne. I know her lost of a very beloved friend and colleague at this time is insurmountable. How lucky she and everyone at CBS2 is to have known such a wonderful person and he alone has made all of our lives richer.
--Jenean McGuigan

Though I never met Randy, I am still in shock over his death. I watched him before I went to work each morning as a mail carrier in Hoffman Estates. He was funny, quick-witted and will be missed by many of us viewers. He helped us start the day with humor! This is a major loss for CBS.
My parents in Woodridge also watched him in the morning. We also remember him at WGN. Please send our sympathy to his family.
--Rudy Czech

Randy reminded me a lot of our own son with his wit and sense of humor. He was such a great family man; a genuine example for so many. My prayers will be long dedicated for his family and for him. He will bring lots of laughter in his eternal home.
--Anonymous

I HATE mornings, but whenever I had to be up at the crack of dawn (or earlier!) seeing Randy, Roseanne, Ed, Susan and Bill made waking up something to look forward to. When I heard the news of Randy's passing, I felt like I had lost a close friend. I grieve with both of Randy's families: his wife Irene and their children, and his family at CBS 2. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Thank you, Randy, for making my mornings a lot easier to deal with.
--Drew Pelland, LaGrange, IL

My heart and prayers go out to Randy and his family and staff both at WBBM and WGN. He was a good friend (that I did not know personally) but was welcomed in our house every day, He was a great person and a great reporter and made Chicago and Crystal Lake proud! He will be greatly missed. I do not know either Irene or Rosanne, but I certainly feel your loss and pain and have cried many tears. God Bless all of you! He is now watching over you from above.
--Mary, Bolingbrook, IL

Randy was always the pleasant gentleman, who made the news interesting. He was young, and made the news interesting.
It's so sad to hear of Randy's passing. He brought joy to so many people, and he will be forever missed. It was a blessing to have him in our lives.
--Nancy R.

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