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 saddened to hear about the untimely death of Randy. There are really no words to express the sorrow felt around the Chicago area. He was a great person and will be missed emensely. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children as well as his media family. -- Barb

God Bless you Randy.....you will be very missed! I am saddened by this news. Randy Salerno was a wonderful staple for morning news and I watched him for years. He was a real part of the big picture........CHICAGO!
My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
-- Julie

So very sorry for your loss. I watched Randy Salerno every morning on the CBS News. I looked forward to seeing Randy's smiling face and his great sense of humor - He always looked like he truly enjoyed his job. He will be truly missed. Thanks Randy for always getting me started in the mornings!
My heart goes out to his family and friends (remember to always hold onto the memories you shared together).
God Bless,
Jennifer B. from Lake Villa, IL

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Randy. I found it hard to stop crying watching the various news reports. I enjoyed watching him in the mornings before leaving for work. It feels like we all have lost a valued friend. I can only imagine what his family and those who knew him are feeling. He will be sorely missed.
-- Deirdre

I was so sad today to here about Randy. I have watched him for years. As a McHenry County resident I loved to here about his home stories. I thought he was so funny, and real. I know he will be greatly missed by everyone who watched or knew him. I know I will miss, him the news will never be the same. God bless him and his family. -- Laura Olsson

Just a few words of condolences to your family at CBS..Randy was a true Chicago man and he will be missed terribly.Please extend my sorrow to his family..The station was complete class act to pay respects to him,today and the days to come..Well done, for a fine man who deserved it....John Kevin


I want to send out my deepest condolences to Randy's family, the cbs team and all of the Chicagoland area. Randy was a great newsman as well as a great family man and friend. As I read through all of the comments sent it shows how beloved he was by all who knew him and those who only knew him from his morning broadcasts. He will be sorely missed and it was too soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who knew him and loved him. He certainly made the mornings special.
-- Stacy, Long Grove

I watched Randy for years and enjoyed his art of communication. He was so personable and comfortable, a reporter I trusted to get to the real news then crack a sarcastic comment which was not only funny but could put the story in a clear perspective. So many of his colleagues are equally as talented, the people who worked along side Randy have been blessed with his friendship.
Funny to read he and I went to Crystal Lake schools.
-- Richard Fletcher

We just heard about this terrible story on the news tonight. It really breaks our heart to see such a good man go. We never have time to watch the news in the morning, but just by seeing the clips he seemed like a terrific guy. Our condolences go out to his family.
May he rest in peace.
-- The Martinez Family

WHAT A SAD LOSS FOR FIELD OF BROADCASTING. I HEARD THE BAD NEWS TODAY & I CRIED. RANDY SALERNO ENJOYED WHAT HE DID FOR A LIVING & DEMONSTRATED IT VERY WELL. RANDY HAD A GR8T SENSE OF HUMOR & WAS SERIOUS TOO. WHY WOULDN'T I OR OTHERS NOT WATCH HIM IN THE MORNING! FOR MYSELF BEING AN ITALIAN AMERICAN RANDY SHOWN A POSTIVE IMAGE IN MY COMMUNITY. THAT WE ARE WITTY, POFESSIONAL INTELLIGENT PEOPLE, TOO! THAT IS FANTASTIC! I'VE SEEN HIM @ THE ANNUAL COLUMBUS DAY PARADE & ALWAYS WITH A SMILE! I KNOW HE WAS TO PROUD BE AN ITALIAN AMERICAN! WE WON'T 4GET U MR. SALERNO! CIAO BELLO! SINCERELY, ROSA MAZZEI

He was so full of life that it is truly hard to believe he will not be there anchoring the news at 11 AM. I always made sure to watch, enjoying his humor and interplay with the rest of the crew. He was like a one of the local kids on the block who grew up and we were proud of him. My condolences to his family, my God grant them comfort and peace.
-- Anita

I am so very sorry for your loss, my heart go out to all especially to his wife and children, may he rest in peace. -- John Ernst

THE CHI-TOWN CHEERLEADERS WOULD LIKE TO SAY WE LOVED RANDY AND WE WILL TRULY MISS HIM. WE MET HIM ON CHANNEL 9 AND ALWAYS WATCHED HIM RIGHT AFTER THE PRICE IS RIGHT. WE SEND OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE, CHILDREN AND HIS TV FAMILIES. HE WAS A GREAT PERSON AND GREAT FRIEND.
PAULETTE FRANKLIN
AND THE CHI-TOWN CHEERLEADERS

I never like watching the news because it is so depressing and it is so negative, but when Randy came to channel 2, I would watch it because he seemed like such a genuine human being. I watched the news basically to see him! That is really the truth! When I heard about his passing today it brought me to tears. What a tragic loss! My prayers go out to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by Chicago!
Donna
Bartlett, IL

Unbelievable news to wake up to this morning! I feel like we have lost a family member due to Randy's long and wonderful association on both Chicago and Peoria television. It really seems so unfair that good people have to die so young when so much evil exists in today's violent world. It is truly comforting to know that his legacy will continue thru this family and friends. The tributes seen today covers an amazing cross section of this area and just solidifies how Randy could work with anyone anywhere. Our most sincere condolences go out to his wife, children, family, and colleagues. Though we have lost him, how fortunate we all are for Randy choosing to share his outstanding career with us. Next broadcast from heaven! Randy Salerno reporting.
-- The Pietrucha Family

I am shocked and very saddened to hear about Randy Salerno's death. I really enjoyed his humor and his quirks and the way that he told the news. I love to watch all of them in the morning because you could tell that they all got along so well. They were a perfect fit. I always got a kick out of the way Randy always teased everyone in the newscast but you could always tell it was in good fun. I am really going to miss him on the morning news. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and to the Channel 2 news team. -- Kathy Sperando, Elburn

Oh my God!!! Oh my God!!!
I'm very saddened about the loss of Randy Salerno. I've watched him on both WGN and WBBM. He, along with Roseanne, Susan and Ed, were about the most lively newscast on television.
The way he died, I think that God didn't want him to suffer and not live the quality of life he would've. So, God took him to heaven.
My prayers and condolensces are with the entire Salerno family as well as the WBBM and WGN families. Whatever may be the test, God will take care of each and every one of you. Stay strong.
-- Karalee and Chris Johnson, South Side.

I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Randy Salerno. I know this is huge loss to all of you at CBS and the entire Chicagoland community. I truly enjoyed Randy every morning. He was such a incredible anchorman and I think it had to be attributed to his great personality and spirit. My heart sincerely goes out to all of you at CBS. You will all be in my heart and prayers for a long time. Please be strong as I'm sure you know Randy would have wanted. The tribute you gave to him tonight was extremely moving and one that I'm sure he'd be proud of. God bless all of you.
-- Vito

What a huge loss! My heart goes out to his wife and kids, his CBS 2 family and the family of viewers he so expertly entertained and informed. Thank you Randy, what a great pleasure it was to meet you on the Breakfast Cruise. Your wit, your humor, your smile and warmth, how infectious! A big hug to Roseanne and crew, may you feel the collective love and support of all your faithful viewers. 
Sincerely,
Rita Alvarez - Chicago


My deepest sympathy goes out to Randy's wife, Irene and her 3 children, Haley, Sloan and Charlie! No words can ever describe the sudden shock, pain and finality of losing someone close to our hearts. My brother, Scott Madda grew up with Randy and all the gang from Crystal Lake South High School and I tell you, there has never been a closer, more fun group of guys and they still are "so close" to this day. They really stick by one another! Randy had a magnetic sense of humor and I can see by the heart felt news coverage that he was extremely loved by so many!!
-- Dana Madda, Crystal Lake

My heart is saddened at the loss of Randy Salerno. It was a pleasure to watch him on the morning news - he was warm and personable and will be missed. My prayers go out to his family and co-workers.
-- Kellie Roberts

To all the News Anchors at CBS 2 Chicago as well the WGN news team as well as Randy's wife and children,
My heartfelt and deepest sympathy goes to each of you. Randy, Roseanne and coffee were the must-haves for the morning to begin. He touched us all with his humor and charisma. He will be greatly missed.
-- George Euring

To everyone at channel 2 news, My name is Carol and I am from Chicago and I look forward to watching your news casts everyday with Randy and Roseanne, and I can deeply say that I will really miss not seeing Randy on the news sitting beside Roseanne. I am very deeply saddened by Randy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Randys Family and with all of you at Channel 2. Please keep up all your good work as I know Randy would want all of you to do. G-D bless all of you for all you do. Is there any Book that we could sign on line to send our sympathy to the family of Randy Salerno? All of you take care and again am very sorry for your loss. All of you take care and stay well.
Sincerely Yours, Carol Levy

I am so sorry to hear about this horrible accident. I loved watching Randy everyday, and I snowmobile up in the same area, in fact in rented from the same place. I damaged the sled most every time because I'm inexperienced and because of other people out on the trail. I heard the Scott is a life time friend of Randy and I have a friend that has been riding her whole life. If the tables were turned, I would have had my friend ride with me on the back. I can't began to imagine what you must have to deal with, let alone his friend. Unfortunately things happen to good people. For instance Randy, I thing touched all of are hearts that watched him, he always seem to make the worst story a little better. I don't know his friend Scott, but like I mentioned earlier I would have make the same decision and have my more experienced Friend ride. I know she wouldn't have meet any harm. Randy lived the same story he reported to us, and I am so sorry to his wife and 3 beautiful children, it's a horrible thing to have to deal with. Randy will be missed and have touched so many people. I am truly sorry, he will be greatly missed. -- Sandra Ericksib

We're deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of Randy Salerno, We will miss wakening up to hear his voice and quick wit in the morning. He presented to all of us what a true professional he was in all aspects of his life. He was simply a gentle giant. Please extend our deepest sympathies to his family, colleagues, and countless friends. Our hearts goes out to all of you. He will be truly missed but never forgotten!
Thanks for the memories!
As his friend (JB) would say...Sail On Randy!!
Brian & Cathy Redmond
Huntley, IL

Our prayers are with Mr Salerno's family and co-workers.
-- Enders Family - Romeoville, IL

I started every morning with Randy as I'd get ready for work. My thoughts and prayers to all his friend's and family.
-- Bunny Hartman

Randy at his best.
I remember it well. It was on 9 11 and he was on with Roseanne on WGN that morning.
They were on the air when the planes hit.
I have never been more impressed with news anchors as I was that morning.
They handled it with pure professionalism.
He was always quick witted but that morning showed a true head news anchor.
-- Brenda Cornett

My heartfelt sorrow goes out to both of his families. To his lovely wife and 3 beautiful children, and to his friends and coworkers. Upon hearing this, I cried. The channel 2 news in the morning was a must. Because of him and his co-anchors, I started my day off with laughter. Another thing that touched many a heart, was his love of his family and friends. When he would tell a quick story about his family, he glowed with love and pride for them. God bless all of us this very sad day. May you all be lifted and supported by those around you. Mourn together!
God Bless!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
-- David & Laurie Trevino

So very sorry about Randy. He was sooo young. Did not know so much about him, only when he reported the news and did a great job. I did not know he was married with three children. May God watch over them and may they find peace in Gods love. Channel 2 has so many good people on their show, first Antonio left for Florida, and now this. You are all like a family.. sorry for your loss.
-- Mrs. Stanton, Oak Lawn.


Good morning, CBS Channel 2, Chicago. My name is Mike Wall, and I live in Freeport, IL. I am a fraternity brother of Randy's from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL. Like myself, Randy was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. We were both initiated into the Alpha Iota Chapter at Wesleyan.

While Randy was only a year behind my class, I must admit, he was ahead of his time. There was always something about "Sal" that made you gravitate towards him. He loved to share with others his time spent in high school as a "Gator" from Crystal Lake. What others have said about him relative to his sense of humor is oh so true. He was very quick with both his wit, as well as his tongue, which would have a tendency to get him into trouble once in a while. Certainly, he could be very much the "smart ass", and he enjoyed that role very much. Having said that, I always had a feeling in my mind he would one day make a name for himself.

I can recall, after my graduation from IWU, hearing Randy's name being announced as a reporter in the "Forest City" (Rockford, IL) and thinking how "cool" it was to have a person I knew, a fraternity brother no less, who had made the "Big Time" of being on TV. Little did I know that being a reporter in the Rockford, Il market, would be nothing (eventually) compared to either New York or Chicago.

You can imagine my surprise when I heard a local Rockford reporter mention his name at the end of a segment stating the following: "This is Randy Salerno, WIFR, TV 23". I thought to myself, what an accomplishment. However, that market was only a side show for the dreams Sal had in mind. From Rockford, he moved on to Peoria, IL; then to Albany, N.Y., all the while working to improve his skills. I can't tell you the amount of pride I had once I learned that Randy was named a reporter and some time anchor for WGN in Chicago. The Chicagoland area was Sal's hometown and the kid from Crystal Lake, IL, had made it big. While my appreciation of his accomplishments were from a far, I did make an effort to call him once in a while after he became a reporter in Chicago.

During his days at WGN, I would phone him from time to time after the show just to say something along the lines of, "Hey Sal, it's Wally, how ya 'doin? I can't believe what you do for a living, but man, you are good." I must admit however, those phone calls were sadly (now) too few and too far between. I will share with you however, that it was awesome to share with other friends of mine that I knew "that guy" on TV.

Although I never had the opportunity to meet Randy's wife, nor his children, my heart goes out to them because I know the quality of man Randy Salerno was. My thoughts and prayers are with Randy, his wife and children, along with his family.

And finally, while I am saddened horribly by the unfortunate news of his passing, I am a firm believer that the heavens above are more than just a bit jovial because Randy Salerno has joined their ranks.

In hoc Sal,
Wally


My heart and prayers goes out to the Salerno family and to all of his CBS family as well. I am saddened and shock , he will be missed. His laughter, his sense of humor and his concern for others will get us through this. May God bless and shine his light on his family and his CBS family.
--Thelma Booker of Gary, Ind.

Dearest family and friends of Randy:

It is with great respect and sorrow that I offer my thoughts and prayers to you now and always. Chicago has lost a great man who contributed many gifts to all who watched and really listened to him regularly. His wit, wisdom, smile and family values made him an outstanding and unique human being. We were blessed to have Randy as a great reporter.

Myself and my family share your grief and pray that you look up to the skies and know he is watching over all of you during this most difficult and sad time of grieving.

My beloved Dad use to ask me: "If you were in heaven, would you want to come back?" I can only imagine that we all share the answer to those words which comfort me and pray that they comfort all of you.

Respectfully,
Anna Marie (Blasco) Dwyer

Randy had many friends at Illinois Wesleyan. He was highly respected and will never be forgotten. We are all so saddened by this tragic accident. Our prayers are with Irene and their three children.
Sincerely,
Joel and Suzanne Fruendt

I am so very sorry to hear of Randy's passing away. I couldn't hardly believe it when it came on the news yesterday. I've watched Randy and Rozanne every day...I had my coffee with them. This is Saturday morning and I can't imagine what Monday morning will be like with him not there. My heart goes out to his family and that also includes his TV family. I'm sure their Monday won't be the same either. Peace be with you...Pam Scott

To Randy's families (home & work)
I watch every morning to make sure my ride to work would be safe and fast.
Always a laugh or a smile from a professional as well as personal wonderful man.
I know that you will all miss him alot but I will feel safe driving to work knowing that I have a special "news" angel watching over me keeping me safe in Chicago.
My family's thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you at this trying time.
Remember the smiles, laughs and good times.
Mornings will never quite be the same
-- Ann Debish-Minor, Rolling Meadows

Upon hearing the death of his friend Lazarus, "Jesus wept". We too have wept upon hearing the news of Randy's death but give God thanks for having brought Randy into our homes through his years on the News. Our prayers for his wife and children and for the channel 2 family. May the Angels lead you into paradise. May the martyrs come to welcome you on your way and lead you to the Holy City.... -- Matthew Brophy

I watched WGN news forever because of Randy and Roseanne, I missed the day they left and then when I found out where they went I was like finally somebody realizes the talent these two people have. I have been a channel 2 news morning newscaster since that day when I found them working at CBS. I never met either of them and when I heard the news yesterday I was in tears. My heart goes out to his family. He was the reason I stayed with channel 2. He made me laugh because of his honesty and integrity
-- Anna

I couldn't wait to come downstairs and watch Randy Salerno and Roseanne Taez. Randy was so honest and sincere, but had a wonderful sense of humor. If he made a mistake he always laughed at himself. He was definitely one in a million. I know his family is very saddened by the new, as we all are, but we must be thankful for having such a great person in our lives. News will never be the same without him.
-- Charlene Lucken

My husband and I watch Randy every morning. I loved the commercial with all the news crew in the car. It was great!! I love to remember him with eating that bug on live TV and for giving Ed the large box of donuts as he was doing the weather. I loved to get a laugh in the morning before heading off to work. I can't believe that I just saw him this week and now he's gone. What a great guy and he is loved by so many. I am a Channel 2 watcher because you all are like family and make the news fun, not boring like all the other channels. Randy will be missed by all. We all will pray for his family and friends.
Love the King Family.

As someone who grew up in Chicago and has since moved away, I really miss the "pulse" that makes Chicago the greatest place in the World. At the heart of that "pulse" are people like Randy Salerno. Randy makes me proud to be a "Chicagoian" and he will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all of the fine journalists that do what he did and make Chicago the great place it is. -- Brian V. Kuzera

I am so shocked and hurt to hear about Randy. I felt like he was my personal friend. I watched him every morning because he made me laugh and smile.
Channel 2 news and Randy was a great way to start my morning. I don't know what I will do without him. He will truly be missed more than he will ever know.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Hopefully we will meet again in heaven someday.
-- Nancy

Strange, how the last time I saw Randy on the Morning Show, he made me laugh, and think, "he Makes my day with his wit and out look on everything". But, I can't even remember what he was commenting on. I didn't know until a lead in for last night's news.
Deepest sympathy to his beautiful family, coworkers, and all who truly knew and loved him.
SGP
Art is the desire of a man to express himself,
to record the reactions of his personality
to the world he lives in.
-- Amy Lowell

My television was promptly turned on at 5:00 every weekday morning looking forward to the Channel 2 news team, especially Randy Salerno. Although I enjoy all of the news team and their lively, upbeat program, it just won't be the same without Randy. I will miss him terribly.
-- Joyce Weller

We are so horribly sad to hear of this tragedy. We felt like we knew Randy from watching him every morning and brightening our mornings. We feel like we know the rest of the morning crew too. We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Roseanne, Ed, Susan, Bill and the rest of the staff and crew. Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family, his wife, and young children.
-- Michelle and Lee

I woke up with randy and rosanne every morning be for leaving for work. Randy now has a new job at cbs heaven 2 news, i'm sure he will do a good job. God be with his family, and all his co-workers. Thank You Randy for being a part of our lives. -- Pete Costello

I am so terribly saddened by the passing of Randy Salerno. I watched him for many years when he was on WGN news and saw glimpses then of his off beat sense of humor. He was a perfect fit, especially with the crew of WGN's morning show. I was disappointed that he had left and gone to CBS (sorry), but tuned in occasionally to see him and Rosanne. It was when he joined Garry Meyer's now defunct morning radio show that Randy's true sense of humor came out. I learned of his death watching the Channel 9 morning newscast and saw the pained looks on everyone's faces when breaking that horrible news. It took my breath away when I heard it. I subsequently tuned in yesterday to all of Channel 2's late afternoon and evening newscasts. I was laughing through my tears at the many funny moments Randy provided to his collegues and us, the audience, especially his turn as the CBS security guard and measuring the snow utilizing his dog as the measuring stick. We have all lost a great spirit in this tragedy and I send my sincere condolences to his wife and young family, as well as to all those who had the pleasure of working with, watching and knowing this very speical person.
Kathy Vick
Arlington Heights, Illinois

The first time I watched Randy Salerno his voice reminded me of Tom Brokaw. His demenor was always so calm and easy to listen to.
During the nineties, when I was home with three small children, Randy and Roseanne were fixtures in my mornings. They were the only adult contact I had some days. What fun and laughs we had together! Randy and crew become more than just faces on TV; They were part of my routine and were my TV friends.
My prayers and sympathies are with all of you, especially Randy's wife and Roseanne.
-- Colleen Meehan

What a beautiful family! What a wonderful man! My sympathy to all of you at CBS. I am so saddened by this terrible tragedy. I so enjoyed the wonderful combination, of your "fantastic four" in the morning. Although I will continue to watch, it will never be the same without Randy.
Susan,
Johnsburg, Illinois

My thoughts and prayers are with the Salerno family. He was a part of everyone's morning and brought sunshine even to the cloudy days. This is a very sad loss and my heart goes out to the entire Salerno family. He will greatly be missed by the city of Chicago.
-- Debra

Sad, so sad, what a great lost. My heart goes out to his family and to his CBS 2 family. -- Unsigned

My thoughts and prayers go out to Randy's family. I enjoyed watching him on TV. He will be greatly missed. -- Darlene Krauss, Itasca, IL

As an alum of CLS, although much later than Randy, I wish to extend my condolences to his family. It's such a tragic loss and I'm sure he'll be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his friends, family, and colleagues during this difficult time.
-- Audrey, CLS class of 02

I always watch channel 2 news in the am, Randy was such a joy, so silly, so real. I watched him on channel nine also, and I guess I followed him and Roseanne to channel 2. I feel so bad for his family and for Roseanne.
May he rest in peace, he will surely be missed, such a sad, sad loss for us, and escpecially for his wife and children.
Sincerely
S. Fiaccato

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Randy's Wife Irene and his beautiful children. What a sad day it is for the City of Chicago. Randy I did not know but from watching him it was so obvious that he truly was a remarkable human being.
I can only hope and pray that during this extremely difficult time for his co-workers and family that they can find solace in knowing that Randy is at peace and that he loved them all. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time. The memories are what will help you all get through, he was kind, compassionate and so full of life and promise. HE WILL ME MISSED!!!!!
-- Susan Noble, Darien

Condolences to Irene,the kids and Randy`s family and all his colleagues at Channel 2 and WGN. I enjoyed Randy when he was on with Garry on WCKG, I never met him, but I feel like I have lost a good friend. Godspeed Randy. -- Rich, Chicago Ridge, IL

I recently moved to NC, my husband is still in Chicago, and how I heard of this horrible news. I miss watching my morning news in chicago and haven't found a niche here yet. now, Not only am I missing the morning news - I am forced to miss Randy, in a permanent way, as he is now gone. The news team clicked so well and Randy had the greatest sense of humor, professionalism and team spirit. Thoughts and prayers to all in Chicago - especially his family and friends.
God bless.. Gerri - now in NC.

I loved Randy like family and I will miss him terribly in the morning. I was very happy when he and Roseanne became a team. They always worked well together even on WGN.
I remember watching Randy on WGN Saturday morning's news for the first time. There was one particular show that he was interviewing someone from a hardware store and they were demonstrating a wet/vac. The wet/vac came apart and sprayed Randy. He was so calm and made a joke about it. I will miss that humor terribly!
My thoughts and prayers go out to his lovely family.
-- Jo A. Frederick

I rarely missed the 5am newscast and Friday was the fist time I did in a while. I just found out this Saturday morning of Randy's untimely passing.
I am just saddened at the loss of a man I hardly knew but saw every morning. I will miss what he brought to the morning news.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Randy's family and colleagues.
Another Loyal Chicago Viewer
David 

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