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Jan 25, 2008 5:55 pm US/Central
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Randy Salerno's Hometown Reflects On Their Friend
CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. (CBS) ―
All of you know Randy as a journalist, we know him as a friend. But the community of Crystal Lake knew him as a neighbor and the great guy next door. CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker takes a look at Randy's legacy in his hometown.
Although Randy was a newscaster for CBS, first and foremost he was a dad. And a very proud dad who volunteered every chance he got at North Elementary in Crystal Lake where his two youngest attend school.
"He helped out in the classroom, we could count on him help out at the carnivals," Horberg said.
In the classroom, where his son Charlie is in first grade, handmade sympathy cards are piled on his desk -- the words of his six-year friends are read by his teacher, Kimberly Horberg.
One card said: "Dear Charlie, I hope you're feeling good. Can you play? I'll try to cheer you up. I like your dad. From Daniel."
"Everybody's heart goes out to Randy's family. It's just a horrible tragedy," Horberg said.
Aaron Shepley grew up with Randy; he's also the mayor of the small suburban town that Randy called home.
"He was a regular guy; he really was a regular guy even after he became successful. He never really seemed like anything other than the hometown kid who made good," Shepley said.
A hometown kid devoted to his community, always available to emcee a fundraiser or charitable event or to promote his favorite high school.
It was during a morning show that viewers learned Randy played football at Crystal Lake South, but he also played basketball. Today, you'll find his picture on the school's Wall of Fame. When he graduated in 1981 he was MVP of the basketball team, all conference in the state.
"He was a great kid, good student, good athlete but not super outgoing as you'd think...it's surprising, but Randy was a quiet kid," said high school friend Chuck Ahsmann.
Randy, quiet? Who would ever believe it.
Something else we learned about Randy was that he coached Little League baseball, coached girls basketball, and if you ever needed an auctioneer, Randy was the man to call.
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