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. 

My sympathies to Randy's wife, children, folks & relatives. I've
watched WGN morning for many years. Randy was a staple & professional, doing whatever he was assigned. He was humorous, and showed sensitivity. I could feel how much of a personal loss he was to that team when they got the news on air Friday a.m.--suffering from a death of a family member. Over the weekend, I saw some video recollections from all stations. This a.m., I watched the video memories and the indivudal statements from the morning CBS team. The presentations this a.m. were precious gems. Thanks to the people who gave up this Sunday afternoon to put this together. I was thrilled he got the opportunity and advancement of morning news anchor. Roseanne and he made a great combo, & the bond with Ed seemed to blossom. When someone such as Randy comes into your home for 14 years on all occasions, there is a personal empty space.
--Anne Wilmot

I was sad when Randy wasn't on the show Friday morning and even sadder to learn that he won't be coming back. I think it was the first time I cried over someone I didn't personally know. Every morning he made me laugh with his funny comments and quick wit. I will miss him very much. My deepest condolences go out to his friends and family.
--Mary Z.

I have watched the morning show for years now. That group always made my day. No matter what was going on, they could make me laugh. Yes, life (and the news) will go on but it just won't be the same without Randy. My thoughts and prayers are with both of Randy's families.
--Laurie Hyzny

My family will never forget last February's North Elementary School Fun Fair where Randy volunteered to man the cotton candy machine for several hours. We could not believe how many parents and kids line up to get cotton candy from Randy. He was so nice to everyone, even though he seemed covered in cotton candy. You could tell he was having a great time. We will all miss him.
--Bob and Beth Niksa, Crystal Lake

Although my husband and I had never met Randy we feel it as a personal loss. We started everyday with him and the CBS news team and feel as though a good friend has been lost. He will not be easily replaced..Condolences to his family and fellow news team.
--B. Perkiser

Oh no. Can't we turn back time? I felt like somebody punched me when I heard the news. I never met Randy Salerno but felt that I did from watching the show every morning before work. Smart, kind and witty. A friend of mine from out of town called him "Mr. Chicago", and he was right. My sympathy to Randy's wife, children and work family, especially Roseanne, Ed and Susan.
--Elaine

Roseanne, Ed, Susan thank you for your broadcast today. The missing chair formation, the quivers in your voices, the sadness in your eyes and your strength of your on air composure paid extreme tribute to Randy's entire family and helped me get through my morning.
--Casey Voris

Randy was a great anchor and reporter. I've been watching him for a long time. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, children, CBS 2 family and friends.
--Tresa Abraham

Nothing is more attractive than a sense of humor. Randy was one of the funniest people I have ever heard. It was such a joy to hear him every morning. There was such love and chemistry on the Channel 2 set. Mornings will never be the same. I send my deepest sympathy to his family and his friends.
--Patricia McDonald

It is heartbreaking to see such a young and vibrant person to leave us way too early. He will be sadly missed; he was a part of all Channel 2 viewers' morning routine. I will miss the quick witted comments that just made you peak down the hallway one last time while getting ready for work, just to see what he was up too. He seemed to always bring a little silver lining to any situation. My deepest sympathies to his family and colleagues as I can only imagine that pain that you are going through, my prayers are with you all! God bless his family, friends and all those feeling the pain from his loss!
--Patti Riggio

When I started to watch the news in the morning, Channel 2 drew me in because of Randy Salerno. Even through the TV screen, you could still sense that this man had something special that I didn't notice with other news anchors. He always brought laughs in the mornings; which is essential since no one enjoys waking up in the mornings. He will be missed. Chicago suffered a tragic loss of a great man who provided us with laughs, news insights and much more. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
--Susan Toledo

This morning's tribute was hard to watch. I feel like I knew Randy personally. My heart goes out to the rest of the "Team", and also to his family. He will be greatly missed every morning. Hang in there Roseanne.
--A faithful viewer, Pat Burke

Roseanne, Ed, and Susan,

I am an avid fan of your CBS 2 Morning Team, and didn't realize that one of the members of your wonderful team was a fellow Crystal Lake-er. I was as shocked as everyone when I learned of Randy's untimely passing. He was a joy to watch in the mornings. To be honest, I was afraid to turn on the news this morning because I was sure that the team wouldn't be able to continue with the newscast. Bless the three of you for pressing on, and as long as the three of you are part of the CBS 2 Morning Team, I'll never watch anyone else.
-With deepest sympathies, C.A. from Crystal Lake

I wish I had the opportunity to know Randy personally. He sounds like quite a guy! I can only imagine how difficult it was to go on the air this morning. I applaud and thank you all for sharing those clips with us viewers. His legacy is poignant; that of work and family balance and how to live life!!! I commend you all for your strength and courage and thank you for sharing some of those moments. He will be missed.
--Suzanne Koehler

My prayers are with the family and co-workers of Randy Salerno…..he is the reason I switched to CBS News in the morning….just a down to earth guy. I will continue to watch CBS News and he will be missed by all of us.
--Joan Dolske

The empty chair at the anchor desk this morning said it all. I hope that all the tributes and thoughts from viewers help Randy's family and friends cope during this difficult time. He was my favorite newsman on TV, and I will miss seeing him in the morning. My condolences to Randy's family and friends.
--Barb Z.

Just one amongst the multitude of viewers that has so admired and relied upon your morning crew, I physically ache for you guys and especially Randy's wife and children. Thanks so much for commencing the healing process by showing up this morning. Hard as it was, we all learned at an early age that "taking the band-aid off slowly only prolongs the pain". You honor his memory with your professionalism as you obviously struggled to maintain composure. Again, thank-you! With this tragedy occurring in the midst of the upcoming Super Bowl it brings back found memories of a year ago when Randy was covering the event in Miami. It was fun to watch as he couldn't help himself, letting go the usual dry on-air persona and allowing the "real Randy" out for all to see -- what a kid he was and what fun to watch "that kid" savor the joy of the experience! Having "followed" Ed over to CBS 2 from NBC 5, I'm thankful to have enjoyed Randy over the years along with those of you that so perfectly complement the morning team. I look forward to working through this tragic event to a point where we can contemplate Randy's life without the intense pain that currently persists.
--Fondly, Dave Boller, St. Charles

I started watching Randy on Channel 9 and switched over to 2 to watch him. When you have a favorite anchor, it's like they become a friend to you. I can't tell you how much I will miss that familiar face and voice. It really hurts. Randy, you were so very special and we will never forget you, nor will they ever find another one like you.
--Theresa in Joliet

I had the privilege of being on your wonderful morning show on May 18th, 2007 during Cicada Mania. Our town of Glen Ellyn, was having a "Hear the Buzz" event. Randy did the interview, obviously my first live TV shot, (as you could easily see, through my constant hand movements). He immediately made me feel comfortable, and at ease. He was funny, kind, and radiated an immediate warmth, calming my very frazzled nerves. I feel honored to have been able to meet him, if only for a very brief moment.
My Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to his family, and to all of you who worked with him everyday. There is a brighter, happier spot in Heaven with Randy smiling on all of you.
--Sincerely, Sue Cleary

I have been watching all the video clips, tributes and memorials pour in since the sad news of Randy's passing was announced Friday morning. I applaud all of you who had the courage to continue Randy's work this morning by bringing us the news and your very special memories of him. I found myself laughing through the tears. The empty chair reminded me of the empty place in my heart left by this true gentleman. Kris, thank you for your closing words, Susan, thank you for your smile, Ed thank you for your strength and Roseanne, thank you for your unabashed love of your friend, and thank you all for reminding us that Randy will live on in our hearts.
--Amy Alford-Hess

Each morning, my day begins with watching the CBS morning news. Randy, Roseanne and the whole team are a part of my daily routine. On Friday, I was running late and noticed that Randy was missing. I just assumed he was on vacation. I later heard the news during the day and I had to stop and take a moment, because I was overwhelmed with sadness. As I type this message, I am still finding it hard to believe that Randy is no longer with us, but I take comfort in knowing that he's in Heaven and entertaining everyone with his great humor, wit and big smile. My condolences to Randy's family and to his morning team, (Roseanne, Ed, and Susan). God Bless.
--Sincerely, Alexandra Santos, Berwyn 

I am so sorry about the loss of Randy Salerno.  He and Roseanne were the perfect morning team that I would watch as I got ready for work in the morning.  Randy was always full of laughter, smiles and mischief.  There will never again be anyone like Randy Salerno.  My heart goes out to those in family as well as at CBS.  It is a horrific loss for his family, friends, fans and the public in general.  I would also like to applaud Roseanne, Susan, Ed and Kris for having the strength to go on the air without him.  The tributes and memories were so heart warming and he will definitely be missed by all.  God Bless everyone, especially his beautiful family.  It truly is an example of a young life taken too soon.  
--Melissa Wilkinson, Crown Point, Ind.

I am saddened by the loss of Randy Salerno, however I am grateful to have had a fun experience with him. I am the Jazzerciser named Dena Thurmond who wrote about Susan's comment, anyway we came on the show and did a few routines and Randy got up and tried to do the routines with us, it was so funny because he and Susan kept bumping into each other. I can't believe it I pray for his family my son lost his father at age 5,
that in itself is always heart breaking. They will at least get to see so many live images of their dad. My heart also goes out to the morning team, I love you all.
--Dena

I never met Randy, but I had coffee with him every weekday. I looked forward to waking up with him and the rest of the cast. They had a chemistry that is unique and will be hard to replace. Randy seemed like such a great guy, that guy that everyone liked and looked up to. His death is tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children, and the CBS 2 family. It was hard to watch today knowing he wouldn't be there. As Jimmy Buffett would say, "some of it's magic, some of it's tragic, but he had a good life all the way…" Godspeed friend.
--Stefanie Dziedzic

I have been watching Randy and Roseanne every weekday morning for a very long time. It's the best morning news show around. They made such a great team and the genuine affection shared by all the members of the morning program is obvious. It is so sad to see this happen. My heart goes out to Randy's family and his co-workers. Know that the grief you feel is shared by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone at this most difficult time.
--Terry Goddard

Randy was a one of a kind with quick wit and such a pleasant smile. I feel like I lost a friend, I will miss him each morning on CBS. My sympathy to his entire family.
--Gloria McCorvey

I'm still having a hard time believing it's true that Randy is gone. Like so many other viewers, the early morning news has been a part of my day for several years. I've enjoyed the mixture of serious news reporting and crazy antics on the show. I usually watch the show from my bed, and so often a good laugh from the morning news team gives me a reason to get up and be on my way with a smile on my face. I enjoyed the clips on this morning's broadcast, laughing and crying at the same time. I also have a fond memory of Roseanne's first day on the program. She was obviously nervous, and Randy's teasing seemed to be making it worse. It didn't take long for her to become a part of the wonderful ensemble with wisecracks, laughing at yourselves, Susan's love for animals, and Ed's bringing his dog to work from time to time. It's a marvel how silly and fun the program can be without losing its professionalism. So many times I've thought, "I should email that group and let them know how much I enjoy them, how much they brighten my day." But I never got around to it. I'm sorry I waited until now. I want the rest of you to know you're appreciated. And I grieve with you. Thanks, Roseanne, for being brave enough to talk through your tears. I love you all.
--Jennifer O, Plainfield

I'll miss Randy's dry sense of humour. I'm not a morning person but I enjoyed waking up to his sarcastic witty comments. I'll guess I'll wake up at 7 am now instead of 5 am. He will be missed. Hopefully Revelation Chapter 21 verses 3-4 will be encouraging to his co workers, family and friends.
--Paris Shelton

Every morning, I wake up to Randy and the crew while I was getting ready for work, he'd make me laugh first thing in the morning so I really didn't  mind going to work.
--Dale Howard

Roseanne, Susanne, Ed, Kris, Randy's wife and children:

We are proud to be dedicated watchers of your morning Channel 2 news, and we are even more proud of the way you handled your first day without Randy. Randy would have loved that you showed up today, to honor him. My husband and I were so in hopes you could handle making it in today, knowing the grief you all must feel. We also feel great sorrow, just having had Randy in our homes since 2004; we felt family with Randy, and we love all of you, as well. We felt his empty chair was appropriate this morning, and we loved that no one new came onto the scene to fill his spot. It was so appropriate to have you, Susanne, work with Roseanne, as we have always loved you, as well. Hats of to all 4 of you, as I am sure the difficulty will continue for a long time. Know, however, that Randy's family and your TV family love each of you. May God give you all strength and may the love from all of us hold you up.
--Ginny in New Lenox

I had the pleasure of inviting Randy into my home each morning via the morning news, and he is sorely missed. I hope when it's my time for passing, I am remembered half as well as that very special man
--Robin Brink

Randy was a "great" addition to the morning team! As many of us are still in disbelieve, it will be difficult to not see him in the morning reporting the news. My thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends, CBS family and to his childhood friend - it was an unimaginable tragic accident. It will be an emotional ride for everyone that was touch by Randy. Thanks for Randy's fun tribute because he was charismatic, fun and loved by many! Again, by condolences to everyone that is feeling the pain of his loss.
--Loyal Viewer, Claudia Arjona

I, like so many others am feeling so much sorrow. I have been a loyal Channel 2 watcher for years and refer to Randy, Roseanne, Susan, Ed and Bill as MY news team. I am in disbelief. I can't believe Randy is gone and I can't believe how Randy has touched my life without me even knowing it...until now, now that he is gone and I can't thank him personally. I've been devastated since I heard the news and truly feel I have lost someone special in my life....yet I've never met Randy.....how did he do that? How did someone whom I've never met touch my life like this? I guess he was just a gift to all of us, a gift who was taken to soon. What an amazing person to touch people in the way that he did. I've cried and smiled all through your news cast today while watching the footage of Randy. I will miss him every morning. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends at this very difficult time.
--Very Sincerely, Kathy Soifer

I wasn't sure I would like the "new guy" when Randy started there but he sure grew on me. You could see the genuine affection between him and Roseanne and my heart goes out to her nearly as much as to his family. Such a shame. Positive energy to you all in this hard time.
--Jeudi Juetten

Dear Roseanne, Susan, Ed, Bill, Kris,

Please accept our sincerest condolences for the loss of your friend and colleague, Randy Salerno. We had the privilege of meeting Randy at Naperville Rib Fest in 2007 and he was as much of a down to earth, regular guy in person as he appeared to be on the morning news. As a family we have started our day with the CBS 2 morning news for the past several years and have always looked forward to Randy's wit, charm and creative sense of humor to put a smile on our faces as our day began. He will be sorely missed. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless all of you as you work through this difficult loss.
--Sincerely, The Cox Family

I was so shocked when I woke up this morning and then came to work to log on to CBS 2 Chicago. I hadn't heard and kept seeing "remembering Randy." My heart and prayers go out to his family, his news family and friends. Truly a sad morning for me and I will really miss his charm and wit. What a loss!
--Kina L. Clayton

Roseanne, Ed, Susan & All the CBS Staff,

Thank you for the wonderful show this morning. I know it was difficult for each and everyone of you. As a morning viewer for many years I have been grieving Randy's death also. This morning I felt very comforted that you shared this wonderful tribute to Randy with your viewers. I laughed and cried along with you remembering all those clips. Thank you for allowing me to grieve with you. God bless you during this difficult time.
--Karen Anastasi

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