Jan 30, 2008 8:20 am US/Central
Viewers' Comments On Randy Salerno - Part 17
Viewers share their thoughts and memories of CBS 2 Morning anchor Randy Salerno, who passed away in a snowmobiling accident late Thursday night.
I watch the tributes to Randy Salerno and cry like a baby!! I never had the pleasure of meeting or knowing Randy, but I feel as though I did. I feel like I have lost a friend or even a family member.
I can't even fathom the pain that Randy's immediate family is suffering right now.
Roseanne Tellez has lost a wonderful, witty, fun-loving friend. I feel her pain as well as that of all of Randy's co-anchors.
God bless you all and the Salerno family. Randy will never be forgotten and will remain in our hearts forever.
This was one of life's unfair events. Rest in peace, Randy, you probably ordered this blizzard-like weather! I am sure Randy is entertaining heaven right now, telling a joke or pranking someone as we speak.
--Patti Bartsch, Manteno, IL
Randy and Roseanne were always a pleasure to watch they made the news fun. We have been watching them ever since they were at the other tv station. It was so hard watching Roseanne on the Monday morning show and seeing the empty chair next to her just broke my heart. Randy will truly be missed, he could always brighten your day with his dry wit. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, family and co-workers.
--The Tlapa Family
He made us laugh on ch 9 and then he made us laugh on ch 2. He was the best! We will all miss him. Our sympathy goes to his family and friends.
--Colette Martin, Elgin IL
I don't even know how to start this email. I recently became a stay at home mom and my morning routine has been to turn on the TV while getting the kids ready for school. This is how I met Randy and Roseann. I would watch your show and laugh almost every morning! I was so stunned on Friday when I heard the news come over WGN (my husband had on channel 9 on the other TV) and had to turn it to channel 2 to find out more information. I still can't believe he is gone...
Roseanne - I don't know how you are going so strong on the air. As I have watched you the past few days, my heart just aches for you and the rest of the crew. As my thoughts and prayers are with all of you and his family. He is already missed in my home as well as my mother's. She has said that he was why she watched channel 2 and that he was her favorite! I just feel that you all complimented each other so well.
I know this is a rambling email, but I hope that you know that another viewer is thinking about you and the crew as well as his family.
Sincerely,
--Kimberly Radaker
Dear Roseanne and the Channel 2 Team:
I'm very sorry about your loss. I feel compelled to write because even though I never met Randy I felt like I knew him. You know you're an amazing anchor and reporter if a stranger thinks of you as family.
I'm from Joliet and I would watch Randy in the mornings. He was fun, light-hearted, and amazing at his job.
Tonight, I sat on my computer and watched every clip you have aired over the last few days. Your news team has handled this terrible tragedy with such grace. I commend you for going to work, remembering Randy, and leaving a chair open for him. It was as if his presence was with you.
I now live in Rhinelander, Wisconsin and work as a reporter for WJFW-TV. I would like to say on behalf of our news team we extend our sympathies.
Being from Chicago and watching Randy it was truly an honor to be the reporter that shared his story with our viewers here in the Northwoods. When I went out to the accident site and spoke with a few Sayner residents, they were deeply saddened by Randy's death. It truly shook up their community.
People's thoughts and prayers don't just stop in the Chicagoland area, they are felt here in the Northwoods and every place where Randy has left his footprints.
And as another person wrote to your station, from one Redbird to another, Randy will be sorely missed. My prayers go out to you and your news family.
Sincerely,
--Kelly Larson
I moved away from Chicago almost four years ago, after living there for 15 years. For some reason on Friday, I felt compelled to see what was new in my old hometown and I checked one of the local websites. I was shocked and very saddened to hear of Randy's horrible death. I had watched Randy and Roseanne on both WGN and WBBM and loved his wit, intelligence and charm, as well as their back-and-forth banter. When I read the news, it almost felt like a physical blow. It is very sad. My heart and my prayers go out to his family and his broadcasting family. I pray that they will eventually find some comfort in the knowledge that Randy touched so many lives in such a positive way, as evidenced by these notes of condolence.
--Liz in Atlanta
I really loved watching him on tv, i like watching news with a fun side, i never got to meet him, that's my loss, my heart goes out to his friends and family, i really hope that he continues to watch over us in heaven.
--signed a great fan, Regan
Glendale Heights
I watch the morning news each morning while getting ready for work and now what a profound void there will be without Randy. The chemistry between Randy, Roseanne, Ed & Susan was phenomenal, unlike any other news station. They seemed more like family than colleagues and you could tell they truly enjoyed working with each other. My heart goes out to the entire Salerno family as well as the entire
CBS 2 news staff. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Warmest regards,
--Doris Svec, LaGrange
I send my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Randy. As horrific as this accident was, it must serve a purpose. I understand that the family does not want his friend to be charged. I am sure that if I were in their position, I would feel the same way. However, I pray that this will send the message to everyone that drinking and driving do not belong together.
Whether it be a snowmobile, motorcycle, car or any other type of vehicle driven/ridden, we must all assume responsibility when our actions cause injuries or especially death. May God Bless and Grant Peace to all who have been affected, most importantly, Irene and the children.
--Laura, Hodgkins, IL
ROSEANNE,
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU EQUALLY WITH HIS FAMILY. SOME MARRIAGES DON'T LAST AS LONG AS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH RANDY DID. YOU AND HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. HE TRULY WAS A UNIQUE HUMAN BEING. AND YOU ARE BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF HIS SHORT LIFE. BUT YOU AND HIS FAMILY WILL KEEP HIM ALIVE WITH YOUR MEMORIES AND US VIEWERS WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM ALSO. HE MADE US SMILE. HE WAS A JOY TO WATCH AND SO PLEASING TO THE EYE.
I WILL REMEMBER HIM ALWAYS.
--PAMELA KOUIMELIS
It was 5:30 AM that morning at WBBM radio when I first learned of Randy's tragic fatal accident. At first I thought, "This couldn't be, I must have misheard the news". As the early day's news went by, reality set in but still in disbelief. Randy's news style will be terribly missed. He and Roseanne were such a perfect team back from their WGN days that continued with CBS. He was so full of life. I just love his anchoring style. I will miss his jokes and smiling face. I pray that you keep his memory alive and that CBS takes care of his young family. To the morning crew, most especially to Roseanne, we feel your pain and enormous loss of a dear friend. There will be no other Randy.
My family extends our sincerest and deepest sympathy to his wife and children. To his parents, thank you for raising and sharing with us a fine, intelligent, and lovable son. We will miss him dearly.This is painful but trust that he is resting in God's loving arms peacefully. May our Lord comfort you during the most difficult and trying times. May Randy's beautiful memories and spirit sustain you in the days ahead.
You are in my prayers and God Bless you!
--Edna L. (Naperville)
Dear Family and Friends of Randy -
When I was a child, someone once told me that the reason why people die is because God needed them more than we did.
I am sad that God needed Randy now. I know he is making God smile and laugh.
May the God of love, peace and hope be with you all. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies.
All the best - Annette
I only knew Randy through the morning show, but from everything I read about him, he was an amazing guy and family man. Every word from every person, friend or fan, shows how much he will be missed. I find myself saddened at the thought of his wife and kids living without him. God give them strength to get through this. I was surprised to find out he was a parrothead.
A parrothead has flown home. Rest in peace, Randy.
--Maureen Miska (also a parrothead)
Roseanne:
Thank you for being there for the viewers. We know that
your association with Randy goes back farther than the
other on your news team and it is remarkable how you
have held up and honored Randy being there at this
difficult time.
My prayers will be with you this day!
--Love, Neva Domasica
My thoughts and prayers are with Randy's family, friends and colleagues during this time. I logged onto my computer on Friday morning and it opened to my home page of the Sun Times website and the breaking news was Randy's death. I had tears in my eyes as I read the snippet that was posted, as the news was still breaking. I have been shocked and saddened every since hearing of his death. Our family is very media oriented being that my husband and myself both are Graduates of Columbia College radio department and we have both worked in Chicago media outlets. We are fans of all of stations and have followed Randy from WGN to his move to CBS2. We are very heart broken that we won't be waking up to Randy in the morning anymore. He was very professional and very quick-witted all in one and he will be greatly missed.
--Harlin and Kendra Neal, Berwyn, IL
We moved here in July of last year. I sampled the other morning news stations, and then I settled on yours. The biggest reason was Randy (what an appropriate name!). In my short viewing time, Randy exhibited professionalism while also providing humor. His wit had such a subtleness, that sometimes I would have to do a double take before the laughter set in. He just seemed like such a good guy. My heart goes out to his family and friends, and the lucky ones who had the pleasure of working with him. We should all be so lucky.
-- Joanie and Joel
I just wanted to say how sorry i am for the loss of Randy. What a sad and tragic happening. I watched the show each morning. He and Roseanne were just GREAT and good at their jobs.
My heart goes out to the family.
--Linda Drye, Valparaiso Indiana Viewer
I used to watch Randy every morning before I went to school.
I loved waking up with Randy and the whole morning crew. I know
that Randy is in heaven entertaining God and all the angels
with his wonderful sense of humor. Randy was a great guy who cared about everyone and he always wanted to help people. My heartfelt Condolences to Randy's family and the CBS 2 Morning crew.
--Matthew Z.
I was shocked and saddened to hear the news about Randy. I remember the double R's (Randy & Roseanne) when they were with the other news station. My condolences goes out to the family, Roseanne, the news crews that had the pleasure of working with Randy and the viewers who loved his worked.
--Lois
I've been watching the coverage that Channel 2 has been doing on Randy and I just wanted to say how sorry I am for the loss of your loved one. When I heard about it, it hit me hard as if I lost a loved one. I remember when both he and Roseanne were on WGN News and one of the viewers left a comment about him. They stated that he was staring at Roseanne like he was in love with her, then WGN showed that clip. It was so funny! He will truly be missed.
I just want to tell his family, news family and friends that God has a purpose for all of us and he doesn't make mistakes. It's unfortunate that he died the way that he did, but his purpose was fulfilled here on earth and you can see that through the lives that he touch, whether it was personally or through the TV. God bless you all!
--Gina
THE EMPTY CHAIR WAS A WONDERFUL TOUCH! I LOVED IT!
THANKS! --JOHN & KRYSIA.
I am in utter shock. I have been a fan of the CBS Chicago News in the morning for many years now. I so enjoyed the synergy and wit that the team brings to the news. With the team having their roots in Chicago made it extra special for me because it was as if we were talking around the breakfast table about old and new times as family opposed to listening to visitors putting on their best for a camera - for an audience. Randy and Roseanne's best was just natural.
The two memories I will always cherish are when Randy said, "Hello, I'm Roseanne Tellez." That was classic! The second was when he dressed up as Velma from Scooby Doo for Halloween and was willing to share with the viewers that wonderful picture! In both instances I loved that he could laugh at himself and allowed the rest of us to laugh along with him. He demonstrated what a well rounded father and friend should be.
Please thank his family for sharing him with the rest of us.
With best regards and prayers
--Monica Lewers
Every morning we turn on the TV and expect to see Randy and hear his voice.....Then we're shocked back into reality. We really miss him, but it's a blessing to have all of you. Thank you for getting us through this.
--David and Linda Beckham
I have tried to write sooner, but I still can't get my head around this one, to believe that it is true. I watched Randy while be was on WGN. And then when he went to CBS and Rosanne followed him. They made the perfect team and continued their perfect work team and definite friendship. It was always a joy to see him ( them ), doing the news, while leaving me, and I'm pretty sure everyone with such a great feeling. God does take the good ones, way to soon. As a viewer, he will be missed. I wish the pain and the void that will be felt by the CBS team, and his cherished wife and children, will be hard to even fathom. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. I know he will be watching over all, but especially his family.
--Deepest Sympathy, Vicky
Dear cbs family and friend
I miss Mr. Salerno for his up beat on WGN and CBS on how he took news and make it into a fun and great time
My heart goes out to his family and friends on CBS and WGN
--Justin
Randy Salerno touched many morning viewers with his wit and charm. He could make you smile one minute and go into something serious the next without missing a beat. The chemistry among the morning news team could not be beat. He certainly brought a certain warmth, genuineness and humor which will be missed. Upon hearing of his passing and the days that followed, I found myself tearing up and saddened as if I lost a close friend. Mornings won't be the same without you, but you will be remembered always.
My thoughts and prayers are with Roseanne, Susan, Ed, and the entire CBS staff. It took tremendous courage to come on the air this week. May you find comfort, solace, strength, and peace in the upcoming months. CBS 2 has done a great job with Remembering Randy and I hope that all of the viewers' e mails and videos of Randy will be given as a keepsake to Irene and the kids. It is hard to understand at an early age just how great your dad was.
--Kim Kozak
Hello Randy's Family and CBS2 Team:
Our hearfelt sympathy is so deep today and since we heard of the news. We wish to express our condolences to all. We cannot express how sad we have felt since the news of the accident. We moved to the Chicago area two years ago and the CBS2 morning team have been our wakeup call and friends away from home every morning and evening.
The harmony of all of the soothing voices of the morning are very pleasant to hear. Randy's voice, confidence, and humor has truly been a void.
God Bless,
John & Deb
To us he is and always will be a great friend through the world of television. We felt we knew him personally, and the funny antics he did.
He brought us laughs and joy. Our hearts go out to his family may God bless you and us for knowing him.
--Donna
I have been living with a lump in my throat since late Friday afternoon when I learned of Randy's loss. One of the viewer statements you showed on air was from a woman who said she didn't know why she had been crying; she had never even met Randy. It struck me because I feel the same way. Randy's passing has been difficult; while I had never met Randy in person I feel as if I knew him well. I watch the CBS2 news every morning and Randy was the reason. I feel your loss and wanted to express my deepest condolensces to you at CBS2 and Randy's family. He will be greatly missed.
--Amy
He was a wonderful anchor and will be missed!
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
May his memory be eternal!
--Koz and Elaine
To CBS Crew and the Family of Randy,
My prays and thoughts are with you this morning during this hard time. Remember the good times and the time that everyone had with Randy. My prays are with the family as well as the CBS Team.
May God Bless everyone, I'll never forget Randy, he made me laugh.
--Tom Thorpe and Family
Our hearts go out to Randys family, his cbs family, and all his viewing families. One of his greatest gifts was his likability....We all wanted to claim him. The beautiful tribute you have given us is a wonderful reminder that we are not alone. I've watched Channel 2 cbs early morning news for years but when Randy came aboard a few years ago, I knew instantly that this was magic and to buckle up and enjoy the ride.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
-Psalms 34:18
--The Sandersons, Sycamore
My heart is holding Randy's family close. He was loved by many and will be remembered by all that loved him. Thank you Randy, for the wonderful smiles. You will surely be missed.
A fan,
Lois
I, like most others, woke up with my channel 2 morning family. I never met Randy, but felt I knew him. I will miss him and his charming ways. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and to all of you at channel 2, and especially to the morning team, Roseanne, Ed, Susan, Bill and Kris.
--Gayle
I have already sent you one note but I wanted to share another with you. To me it was ironic that Randy's passing occured on Jan 24th because my daughter Linda would of turned 34 on that day. I say would of because in Nov 2005 I lost her at the age of 31 from Cerebral Palsy & Epilepsy. Whenever a movie came out that was filmed in Chicago she loved to see it & all the news reporters from all the stations. She always recognized
Randy when she would watch Primal Fear. I"m sure she had the welcome mat ready in Heaven & gave Randy a big hug as she yelled "Randy in Primal Fear" !!! Once again my God Bless you all!!!
--Sherri
My husband and I looked forward every morning to watching Randy and Roseanne. What a wit he had! An anonymous author wrote:" Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, let us remember how brightly it burned". Randy personified this. He lived more in his 45 years than most people would in 95.
Our hearts go out to his family and all of you at channel 2, especially Roseanne.
In deepest sympathy,
--Sue and Tom Terrien
In 2003 my husband moved to Chicago, I followed a year after that. My husband said "I've found the morning new show you will like". I always get up in the morning and put the news on. The city we lived in before had a morning show that was fun, uplifting and a good way to watch the morning news.
Once I got to Chicago and watched Channel 2, this really helped me. I felt like these were my friends. Watching all four (Randy, Roseanne, Susan and Ed) felt like home. I didn't even like when one was on vacation.
This may should stupid, but I felt like I was home again. Except this crew was better that what I left.
I have asked my husband many times, since we've gotten this news. "What will we do now in the morning".
It will never be the same, but I'm lucky my husband found this great morning show, that uplifted us every morning since we've lived here.
It is with tears in my eyes now that I feel so for both families. They all have my prayers and thoughts to get through this difficult time.
My loss (never personally knowing Randy) is small, as to what his family will go through, but be strong we are all here for you.
Thanks for making morning fun.
--Virginia
WOW ~ I am so lost for words on the death of Randy Salerno. I've watched him at WGN and followed him to CBS. He had great chemistry with Roseanne. We laughed at them and we laughed with them.
My heart goes out to Randy's family, his wife, Irene and there three beautiful children. His parents and his extended families at both WGN and CBS.
Randy, you were AWESOME and will be missed sorely!!
--Rosalie Ortega
My morning was not complete until I watched the early morning news with Randy and Roseanne. I enjoyed his sense of humor and the interaction he had with his colleagues. My condolences to his family, and to all his friends at CBS2 Chicago. He will truly be missed.
--Mary Willis
To Randy's family and friends,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God bless.
--Karen
Dear Ones at CBS 2 Morning Show,
I can't believe how profound my grief is at the passing of someone I have never personally met. I am praying for you along with his family - and this is not just an expression. Randy was outstanding at his job. The chemistry he had with all of you made my morning enjoyable. Roseanne, Ed, Susan, Bill, Vince, and Joe I am praying for you, too.
--Vera
I HAVE BEEN WITH RANDY SINCE WGN THIS IS A SAD TIME FOR HIS FAMILY AS WELL AS HIS LOYAL FANS . PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY, HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED --MICK
DEAR RANDY,
I AM SENDING MY DEEPEST REGARDS TO THE SALERNO FAMILY. EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NEVER MET RANDY, I WISH I HAD KNOWN HIM, ESPECIALLY FROM WATCHING HIM AND ROSEANNE IN THE MORNING. I COULD TELL THAT HE WAS A WONDERFUL GUY FILLED WITH LOVE, LIFE AND LAUGHTER. TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH IS TRULY A BLESSING BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE THAT SPECIAL KIND OF GIFT. RANDY WILL TRULY BE MISSED FROM CHANNEL 2 NEWSCAST. IT'S MAKES ME FEEL BETTER TO HEAR THAT HE WAS A CARING MAN AS WELL A HUSBAND, FATHER, SON, & FRIEND.
--NEESA
My husband and I watched channel 2 news every morning . We both wept when we heard of his passing . He was part of a great news team and we miss him. You're in our thoughts,
--Bill & Maria
Kris, I meant to add your name to those I am praying for. Your tribute was very touching.
--Vera
I remember Randy as a young boy and as a young man. I was his elementary Music teacher at Coventry School in CL. I also remember his friends Scott and Tony. We were a small school then and we were all like family. They were good friendly kids. We lived right up the street from Randy's family. I watched Randy's rise in the News industry with pride. The community felt the same way. He never changed from that friendly caring kid. It is with deep sorrow that I send this message. His family has all our sympathy. Randy was a tall, skinny kid and his life achievements reflect an even greater height. I am proud to have been a small part of Randy's life. He shall never be forgotten. --Barb Wardwell
I feel as though I have lost a friend – if I knew him I know that he is someone I probably would have hung out with. I hated watching the news until I found him on Channel 2 – He made my mornings – No offense to anyone at CBS news, but when Randy was off – I turned the TV off most times unless I knew there was a story I wanted to follow up on. He was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed. My heart felt sympathy goes to all who knew him well, his co-workers, family and the rest of his viewing audience. I heard what the Reverend shared this morning. What a wonderful, pleasant thought he has left me with and what an inspirational character Randy was and will go on being through shared memories.
--Donna
I just wanted to extend my sincere sympathy to Randy's family and friends. I have watched him every morning since he was on WGN while I was on my treadmill. He sure made it easier to get going that early in the morning!! My heart is breaking for your loss. What a great guy!!! Maybe we can try to take a little of his great attitude and bring it into our own lives. The world would be a sweeter place because of him!
--Nancy Ketchmark
For the past year I have become very attached to the CBS 2, 5 am news. Every morning waking up with Randy, Rosanne, Susan and Ed made my day.
Randy may be gone in Physical sense, but in Spirit will be with his family and friends forever.
His family will now have their own angel along with his morning crew. This morning I watched the news without the crew, was somewhat upset but can clearly understand May his family be blessed with all of our love and may the legacy of such a great man go on forever. Randy dear you are going to be missed, It is like I lost my best friend and collegue also. He was part of my daily schedule., now it will not be the same without you. Rest in peace and God Bless.....
--Linda
I moved to Chicago 2 years ago and had to find a station that I liked and one that would help me start my morning. As I watched all of the stations, Randy and team stood out "head and shoulders" above the competition. It has been automatic that I start my day with Randy and team and cannot imagine my cup of coffee without his sarcastic and funny remarks about the people he works with. Don't ever underestimate the impact your station makes on your viewer's lives and how they start their day. Randy, you and your home and work family will be in my prayers.
Regrets,
--Doug
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