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 speak to my Mother at least 3 times a day. When I spoke with her last Friday, I could tell she seemed down, as was I, after hearing the news of my "friend" Randy Salerno. I asked my Mom what was the matter and she replied, "oh, my favorite news guy that I watch at 11:00 am everyday from Channel 2 was killed in an accident." I replied, "well, my favorite news guy that I watch at 6:00 am everyday from Channel 2 was killed in an accident." Just when you think you know everything there is to know about someone, you find out something new. Thanks, Randy, for deepening my relationship with my Mother one more degree.
--Amy Deegan

Everyday my daughter and myself watched Randy, and it has touched us very deeply, but I would like to let his family know that he is in a better place with God. May God bless his family, co-workers and friends.
Sincerely;
Linda Navarro

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am constantly thinking about and praying for her wife, 3 young children, and the CBS family. I still am in disbelief this happened. Randy added something special to the morning news. You just didn't know what he was going to say next, but you knew it was something that was going to be funny. Randy had an amazing personality and gift to make people laugh. I never knew or met Randy, but when I heard about what happened I felt as though I lost a close friend or family member. We are all so lucky to have had such a great person as a part of our lives. God Bless him and his family.
--Leanne Gurnee, IL

My son recently lost his father and I watch his pain. My thoughts and prayers go out especially to his wife and children, and of course to his second family. No matter what capacity a person holds in your life when they are gone they are missed. My family got up to Randy each morning. We changed from WGN to CBS because of Randy. He always had us laughing even during our toughest times. We can imagine Randy is up above saying "what's all the fuss about?"
--Sandy

I've been a viewer of Channel 2 News for about a year and within that time, I've grown to really enjoy the broadcast. The camaraderie between the team members is amazing and your broadcast always brightens my day! I love seeing that TV personalities are "real people" with a sense of humor and real feelings. At times, Randy had a "serious" style of humor and at first I didn't know how to take that, but grew to understand it and realized how it fit in perfectly with the other team members! My heart goes out to all of you who worked with him, his family and friends. Less than a year ago I too experienced the loss of a much loved co-worker and understand what you are all going through. Bless you all.
--Anonymous

Randy and CBS 2 had coffee with my husband and I every morning.
Randy started our day, everyday, with the news, a smile, a cup of coffee, and laughter.
His familiar smiling face will be missed at our breakfast table every morning!
You can rest assured that we will remember and never forget what he brought into our lives.
--Dennis & Sharman

My Husband and I met Randy when he came to a cooking expo in Crystal Lake. He seemed like such a nice Family Man. We were new to Crystal Lake so the fact that he stood there and said he felt it was the best place to raise his Children really made us feel we made the right move. We actually became channel 2 watchers after that. We are so sorry for his Family.
--The Lipinski Family

Randy's untimely passing has touched all of our hearts deeply. My wife and I have been in the Channel Two viewing area for less than three years, but we have always appreciated the Channel Two News Team. Your personal recollections of Randy, your appreciation, love, and respect for him as a personal friend and journalist are evident to all of us. Your News Team is truly a family. Knowing what a wonderful father and husband Randy was is an everlasting example we all should emulate. I am certain that he has "entered into the joy of our Lord." Our Good Shepherd will continue to comfort and strengthen all of Randy's family, friends, and television family, for "He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows." The wonderful memories of Randy Salerno will never die.
With Much Love and Many Prayers,
Pastor R. David Reynolds
Kankakee Trinity United Methodist Church

I am so impressed with the grace and professionalism the crew at channel 2 has displayed over this past week. I don't think I could do it. Watching Randy and the rest of the crew every morning was the highlight of my day. Randy will truly be missed. His wife and Children will be in my prayers, as well as all of you at channel 2.
--Liz

I want to thank everyone at CBS 2 for their beautiful tributes to Randy Salerno.
It took enormous courage for Roseanne, Susan, Ed, and the other members of the on air CBS morning team to come to work this week. It was a gift they gave all of us who grieve for the loss of Randy Salerno.
But there are many others behind the camera and I want to acknowledge their loss too. And to thank each of you for helping us remember why Randy was wonderful even as we grieved. Over and over, I laughed while tears ran down my face.
It was a celebration worthy of a very special man by very special people.
I cannot imagine how hard it was to do what you each did. I cannot imagine creating a more beautiful, classy and healing method of dealing with this loss.
Thank you all.
Suzette Vandewiele, Romeoville
I can close my eyes when I have the new on and still imagine Randy's voice with laughter. He completed the team at CBS 2 morning show. It will not be the same. He cannot be replaced. I believe we should put a picture of him somewhere on the set to show he is still with us and we will continue to believe that he is still doing news with laughter in heaven.
--Lori
I have been watching Randy and Roseanne from when they were on WGN and now on CBS. I just want to say I'm soooooo very, very sad about Randy I really am he always made me laugh and that is a wonderful gift. Please give my sympathy to his lovely family. I want to also say Roseanne be happy it takes time and time goes so fast
Take Care Everyone !
--John Amato
It seems like forever that I have been watching Randy in the morning as I get ready for work. I will truly miss his wit and personality. He definitely fit the mold and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and co-workers.
--Sally
Randy was a Class A guy. I have been watching CBS2 in the AM for more than 9 years so I have seen several changes in the morning crew.
The last 3 plus years with Randy have been great. The first thing that I do in the morning after waking up is turning on Channel 2. There is certainly something missing now with Randy not next to Roseanne.
I am deeply saddened by this tragic loss and my family's prayers are with you all. Always remember the great times that Randy brought to everyone's life.
--Kristina B.
It was such a blessing to wake up to Randy and the CBS2 news crew in the morning. No matter how I felt, it was a welcoming thought that I would have a few chuckles before setting out for my day and that helped me when facing some pretty tough days. Randy brought to the program the great gift of humor that God clearly blessed him with. He truly left a positive mark on the lives of all who personally knew him as well as those who knew him through the media. I thank God for having the opportunity to savor the talent of Randy if only for a few short years.
--Linda Miller

This is a message to Randy's family. I knew Randy as a young child and young boy. I was his Music teacher at Coventry Elementary School in CL. I also knew his friends Scott and Tony. We were a small school then and we were all like family. Randy's family lived right down the street from us. They were all good kids. When Randy went on Channel 2, I felt very proud of him. I know his children's school in Dist 47 felt the same way. Randy was always taller than any of the other kids. I believe he achieved a "height" in his life that was also taller than many. My heart cries out to his family. We will miss him and cherish his memory.
--Barb Wardwell

I loved to start my morning with the entire CBS 2 team. They always made me laugh and start my day off with a smile. Last Friday, just as it was going off the air, they made the announcement and I felt like someone had told me that a family member had passed. I never met Randy, yet I felt a sense of loss. I can only imagine how his friends, coworkers and especially his family feel. May God give you all the strength to get past this difficult time and to smile and laugh as Randy would want all of us to do.
--June

My thoughts and prayers are with both Randy's Family and Television Family. Randy, Roseanne, Susan, Kris and Ed are always a part of my morning routine. Together they made watching the news more of a conversation with friends than a news report.
--Laura Unruh, Joliet

It's so hard to believe that I won't be having morning coffee with Randy Salerno. He has always reminded me of my brothers, smart, funny and loyal, loving family man. I will be praying for his family and all of you at CBS.
--Julie

GOOD BYE RANDY WILL MISS YOU
--Anonymous

Less than a week ago today, Randy Salerno lost his life and Chicago lost an icon...yet today, we must prepare for final services. It is still hard to believe that Randy will not be among the morning crew with his partner for many years, Roseanne. My heart aches for her as well as the Salerno family, entire channel 2 news team, WGN channel 9 and other media companies who have worked with Randy. He was a part of our morning...what many of Chicagoans looked forward to the next day. The days, weeks, months and even years ahead will be difficult but I'm sure Randy would want us to move forward in a positive way with a sense of his humor under our skins...his humor that crossed over all racial boundaries. If he made a caucasian laugh, he made a Pacific Islander laugh and etc. Thank you Salerno family, for sharing Randy with us all. Thank you channel 2 & WGN for hiring him and most of all, THANK YOU RANDY!
--Dawn

My fondest memory of Randy Salerno,
is when he did the news I had the pleasure of meeting him once and thought he was great, he will be well missed,
my thoughts and prayers go out to the family of cbs2 and randys family as well,
sincerely,
Judy

I was heartbroken when I learned of Randy's tragic death. I woke up every morning to Randy and the crew before work. My thoughts and prayers go out the Salerno family, Rosanne, Susan and Ed, as they have done a great job going back on the air without their friend. Randy's humor will truly be missed by everyone. We are all very lucky to have been able to enjoy his wit and laughter, even if it was only for a little while. Thank you Randy for all the laughs!
Joy Boberg
Lake in the Hills

Along with the countless viewers who have been touched by Randy's professionalism, charm, and humor, may I join them in sending my deepest condolences to Randy's family, Roseanne, Susan, Ed, Kris, Bill and all the staff. I feel I've lost a friend and can only imagine what those of you who knew him personally must be feeling. What a joy to have been part of his tv family; what a treasure we've lost.
--Karen Sliwinski

Randy Salerno was a face on my TV every morning to communicate the daily events before I left for work. His death has opened up so many hearts to the real purpose of life. It's the biggest news flash "It's not what you do in life but how you do it" that makes an impact on others. The love that has been conveyed by his co-workers to us by the sadness in their eyes, their gestures and their comments have made those of us who never knew him, love him and miss him. He couldn't have left a more important legacy. And to his co-workers, this last week as you spread the news, you spread your love for Randy to us, a gift from him, to you, to us. God bless all of you.
Bonnie Grachan

I wake up about 4:45 am and got hooked on the dynamic 4-some of Randy, Roseanne, Susan and Ed. Randy always sent me off to work with a laugh with his dry wit and mutterings. When my husband would wake up, as I was leaving for work, I'd often share the craziness that I witnessed starting his day with a laugh also. Whoever put those four together knew what they were doing. When I met my husband for dinner Fri. evening and he told me about Randy's death, it hit me with such saddnes, as if he was a member of our family. No dinner that night, but a toast to his "sailing on". His mom and dad can be proud of the type of person they shared with the Chicagoland area. My mornings are not going to be the same. Thank you CBS 2 for the past two mornings of a look back at Randy and Buffet. My heartfelt sympathies to his family, his CBS family, as well as Scott and his family.
--Charlene Bromley-Lynch

As a viewer of the morning show on CBS, I felt that Randy and Roseanne were part of my family. I am feeling overwhelmed by grief at this tragic and sudden loss. I can only imagine how difficult it is for Roseanne, Susan, Ed and Bill to carry the burden of "the show must go on".

While it may be difficult to go on and you may stumble along the way, know that your viewers are not sitting in judgment, rather we are here to offer our support and strength to you. We will not leave you.....
"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pour through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." Author Unknown
Sincerely,
Kim Griffin
Aurora, IL

I have watched Randy Salerno on television for as long as I can remember. He is one of my favorite newscasters. I will truly miss seeing him on television with this outgoing and personable spirit. I was out of town when my mother called me to inform me of this great loss. I visited the website and watched the coverage via internet and have followed the great memories put on the website in his honor and memory. We are hurt and devastated that the world has lost an outstanding human being and that his children, wife, extended family, television viewing family, and friends have loss such a wonderful family.
We extend our deepest loss, sympathy and love.
Mary Edwards & Family

Now that the shock and disbelief have faded to sadness we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Randy's families; his wife and children, parents, brothers and sisters and his CBS family.
We feel as if Randy was our personal friend especially since we invited him and the morning crew into our home every morning. His quiet demeanor delivered the news with sincerity and professionalism although his quick wit and quiet dry sense of humor brought laughter to our every morning.
There will be an empty spot at our morning table as well. Randy you will truly be missed.
Byron & Marilyn
McHenry

Having watched Randy for years - I guess you could say I watched him grow up (well almost). What a fine young man. We miss his smile and friendly ways. May God grant his family solace at this time and the ability to put to rest this tragic accident. Good bye and God Bless to Randy.
--A Hansen

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

Although my husband and I only met Randy a few times at a mutual friends gatherings. His loss has shocked us, it seems unfair that a great guy like Randy has been taken at such a young age. His loss will be felt for many years to come. Our best to his wife Irene and his children. They will all be in our prayers, I know it seems hard now but they will find the strength to get through this. You will be missed Randy.
--Lorie and Dan Martenson

I will miss you & the connection you maintained w/our hometown of Crystal Lake. I followed in your footsteps, graduating from South in 1985. I always knew you were from C.L. although we never met. Whenever I watched you I found myself rooting for your career as the small town kid who continued to make a mark on Chicago and the many viewers your career gave you the opportunity to reach. It was easy to see where your true commitment really was, your family, which in my mind says it all. Thank you for the memories, for keeping your telecasts "real", for never losing touch with your home town & for always keeping your family first.
Sincerely,
Chris Kardys

To Whom It May Concern:
My mother, Amle Mako watched Randy since he began with CBS and she is deeply saddened by his tragic passing. She sends her deepest condolences to his family. She says that she feels like she lost a family member because he was a part of her every day life in the morning. Please pass this message on so that everyone can understand what a great man this world has lost.
Sincerely
Joe and Amle Mako

To all of you at CBS 2:
I was so sick to hear of this horrible tragic accident taking the life of such a beautiful man, Randy Salerno. My heart bleeds for his beautiful wife and gorgeous children.
I loved watching Roseanne and Randy in the mornings. Watching you laugh Roseanne put such a smile on my face. I was so envious of you working and having so much fun. How many people could say that they have so much fun at work? You both were a hilarious class act.
You'd swear I was married to the man with the way I hve been bawling my eyes out every time some special tribute comes up about him. May he enjoy his rewards in heaven and I know he will be with all of you for ever with the great memories he left with all of you. May God grant all of us comfort in this very sorrowful time.
--Sheila Staunton

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Randy's family and friends. It is very hard when you loss someone dear to you so suddenly. He will be missed.
--Anonymous

My girlfriend and I were interviewed last year in Miami by Randy as we were there to support our Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl.
He being from Bull Valley and we from neighboring Crystal Lake gave us instant friendship in this small world as they say.
We have never met a more friendly, personable and caring individual that changed our lives for the better.
I was shocked when I learned of his tragic death and our prayers go out to his family and all those he touched during his brief visit here with us on Earth.
He will be missed but never forgotten for that brief moment he spent with us to make our day special…..
--David J. Andruchuk

CBS2 HAS DONE A WONDERFUL JOB OF SHOWING US PARTS OF RANDY'S LIFE.
MY FAVORITE IS RANDY DRIVING THE RED CONVERTIBLE WITH ALL OF YOU IN THE CAR & ROSEANNE YOU ARE AGAIN LAUGHING UNCONTROLLABLY AT SOMETHING I'M SURE RANDY IS DOING OR SAYING. THEN RANDY IS WINKING...WHAT A GREAT PIECE.
GOD BLESS YOU RANDY....RO & BOB /LITH

It is so touching to see the entire CBS 2 family coming together and sharing their pain and loss with all of us, the viewers, in our grief over the passing of Randy. Our hearts go out to his entire CBS 2 family, especially Roseanne, Susan, Ed, and Kris, and especially to his wife and children. We can tell how much he was loved by his television family.
Even though most of us never met him, he felt like part of our family. I am just heartbroken.
He was such a blessing and he will never be forgotten.
May God Bless you all!!
--Karen

We are all deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Randy Salerno. I really enjoy the morning news but will miss his humor and smile.You are all wonderful. My thoughts and prayers are with his family & the whole crew there. God bless you all during this difficult time.
--Marie Beeskow

Having watched channel 2 since Randy, Roseanne, Susan and Ed became the morning team, we feel as if we have lost a friend. Randy was a true role model. He was funny, upbeat, kind and yes, irreverent, as well as being an intelligent and hard working family man. He is a true loss to our community and he will be sorely missed. Our condolences are with you, his family & friends. God bless you and grant you comfort.
--The Weg, Williams Family

I always looked forward to waking up each day to watch the cbs morning news team, especially Randy and his banter with Ed. He will definitely be not only missed but remembered with love.
--Anonymous

I was very surprised and in disbelief when I heard of the passing of Randy Salerno. He was always their in the morning when I woke happy and always ready to tell the latest news. He was a natural at what he did but still an ordinary guy. It is strange now not seeing his face in the morning. but my guess is Gods got plans for him above. my condolences go out to his friends and family. he will never be forgotten! God bless and may he rest in peace.
--Theresa Howard and Paul Mencarini

It was a great way to start the day.......laughing. I loved and will miss Randy's hilarious little comments. Getting ready for work will never be the same.
--Anonymous in Plainfield, IL

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. I cannot tell you how deeply this has touched me I really feel like I lost one of my friends. I have been late for work so many mornings because I was watching Randy and everyone goofing around and laughing or just telling such interesting stories. I always started my days with a smile thanks to the crew at channel 2. Things just won't be the same. I followed him from WGN to CBS. I have seen him every morning for quite awhile my heart is broken.
--Nancy

It amazes me how grieved I am over the loss of Randy. I didn't personally know the man but he and Roseanne started my day for many mornings. I pray for the family, and the TV family, that is suffering. God must have a special place for Randy.
--Anonymous

I already miss Randy so much. That was my reason for turning the news on to watch the "group" actually enjoy telling us whets going on and having a good time, with them all being so happy it was hard not to feel good with them. Last Friday when channel 2 Early Show didn't cut away for that five minutes of local news I thought it was strange. My daughter heard at the bus stop what had happened and we were so saddened and shocked. I have enjoyed all the videos that you have been showing, the one with Randy "guarding" the door at the TV station is one of my favorites. I thank all of your for reviewing these memories. My thoughts and prayers are with his family (both of them, home and work). he was a wonderful man and will be missed by more people than he ever would have realized.
--Joyce Bailey

While I only knew Randy through television, I am heartbroken over his tragic death. I have been thinking of him, his family, friends and co-workers since I heard the news of his death. Randy's smiling face and great sense of humor will be missed!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you try to deal with this great loss.
--Nancy B.

We were out of town celebrating my husband's 60th birthday, and while 'channel surfing' found our favorite WGN news broadcast on the local cable. In less than one minute the story of Randy's death came on... I screamed "No!" and tears started--with shock and disbelief. Trying to explain to my sister-in-law from another state, how much Randy meant to us...other people just don't quite 'get' how much Chicago viewers loved him. I literally can't wake up until I hear Randy and Roseanne in my bedroom each morning. Very often, I'd comment on how much I love Randy's dry wit and tremendous talent, and how CBS was so fortunate to have such a great team as Randy and Roseanne.
Randy died on my husband's 60th birthday... We will never forget Randy, and offer our sincere condolences to his family.
--Marcia C.
Sending deepest sympathy to Randy's family and to the Channel 2 news family. Many fond memories are kept in our hearts. God Bless.
--Carol K. Sandwich, IL.

I've been watching Randy and Rosanne for years. I wake up every morning excited to turn the TV on to Channel 2 to get my day started. I never met Randy, but a part of me feels like I've known him for years.
He is the kind of man anyone would love, he's such a great guy. He is truly going to be missed, and my heart and my prayers go out to his family and his co-workers on channel 2.
He was taken away too soon, but he will always be smiling down on you.
--Colette

I watch cbs2 every morning before going to work; Randy and the morning team were the best. Randy had such a great sense of humor and genuine good heartedness that you could feel over the air. He definitely touched many hearts that he didn't' even realize. Thanks Randy for the memories.
Judy Colonero
Warrenville IL

I was fortunate enough to be chosen for the CBS Morning Cruise in August of 2006. Truth be told, it was because of Randy that I wanted to go. My only intention the whole morning was to get close to Randy to get a picture. He of course being the great guy that he was, was more than happy to pose.
He will be so missed. God bless his family, friends, and those friends that he worked with. My heart especially goes to Roseanne and his wife.
Kim R. Bunting

Last Thurday I watched Randy and Roseanne on the 11:00 a. m. broadcast while I was doing my workout at our YMCA. Under similar circumstances on Friday I learned of his tragic passing. Since then Randy and his family have been in my heart almost continually. Today, the day of his funeral, God spoke to me through a familar passage of Scripture in John 11:25-26. Jesus is about to resurrect Lazarus from the dead, and He speaks these comforting words to his sister Martha: "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" This is our assurance for Randy and our hope forever.
Pastor R. David Reynolds
Kankakee Trinity United Methodist Church

As I stood in line with a broken heart to pay my last respects to a wonderful man, Randy Salerno, I was struck by the powerful fragrance in the room coming from the huge amount and amazing variety of flowers lining the walk area, with Jimmy Buffet playing in the background, viewing many, many pictures of Randy's life. It made me feel that I knew him better than ever and would always appreciate the many facets of his personality. What a great send-off it was for a very special, talented man.
With heartfelt sympathy to his family and all of the CBS staff.
Gail Siems

What a cold, miserable ~ yet sunshine-y day for a funeral. Randy would have a remark, I'm sure. I miss his sense of humor. I've watched the morning news Mon-Fri for quite a long time and this week has been so "different" just knowing Randy's not coming back. Even tho the viewers did not know Randy personally, we sure felt like we did! I'm tearing up as I write this, so I had best better sign off as I am at work!!
Our loss is heaven's gain........
Audrey in Berwyn, IL

I will truly miss seeing Randy in the morning. He was such a huge part of that team. I pray for his family and all of his many friends that they may find comfort in knowing he will always be with them in their hearts. God Bless.
Jennie May

God has just added a beautiful flower to his Bouquet in Heaven
Rest in Peace Randy.
--Anonymous

In February of 2006 I became very ill with a heart condition and spent an enormous amount of time in the hospital and home recovering and I would watch Randy and Roseanne in the mornings and they would literally make me laugh out loud. The group at CBS morning show obviously truly enjoyed each other so much and that friendship came through in such a comforting way. I haven't seen a group so close on any other news show. This was a special guy and I know everyone is going to miss him deeply. I know he brought a smile to my face when there just wasn't much to smile about.
May God Bless Randy forever and keep his loving family and friends in his loving care during this most difficult time.
My heart has been so heavy to have heard of this terrible tragedy.
God Bless you all!
Kimberly Williams
Hobart, Indiana

randy was the best.
--r Anderson

Every day, each of you, leave your families and step into our 'the viewers', families through the television screen. We've never spoke, yet we converse. We've never met yet we have the bond of friendship. We're not related, yet we are family. From my very sad heart to all of yours, thank you for being part of my life every morning. We didn't have to say hello, but today, we have to say goodbye. Thank you to Randy's family and you at Channel 2 to allow us to share in todays special memorial of Rany's life. His tremendous spirit will live on through his beautiful family and in all of his beloved friends at channel 2.
Bernadette McMahon.

How sad that this man who obviously loved life so much had to leave this earth so unexpectedly. I am very saddened that I won't have the pleasure of listening to Randy's dry sense of humor in the morning and to see the affection he had for his friends at CBS. My condolences go out to his family as well as to his TV family. It is a great loss for us all. God Bless!
Dagmar Reay
Hammond, IN

The pain is difficult! My heart goes out to his family & friends on saying good-bye to a wonderful man! I keep going back and watching the slide shows on the web site. What an extraordinary man and the life he had! Thanks for all the great and unforgettable memories. Randy is a legacy that won't be forgotten. Please continue showing clips of Randy in the future on the news. We'll know he is watching over Chicagoland!
Roseanne, you have an angel watching over you. Stay strong!!
Randy, you'll be missed!!
Sue/Carol Stream

How terribly tragic losing Randy is. As a family of snowmobilers, I want to say that it is a fun sport - but as we all know - it can also be so dangerous. I have watched Randy for years - starting with WGN Channel 9 then At CBS Channel 2 - he was a man of intelligence, charm and quick wit - he will be deeply missed by many! My condolences go out to his beautiful family and also Roseanne Tellez, as she has lost a very special friend.
--The Markovich Family, Valparaiso, IN
Randy was the highlight of my morning, every morning. My husband and I start each day off at 5 a.m. with Randy, Rosanne and the team. I remember the days that Randy would start the 5 a.m. news without a necktie and then after the commercial break right at 6 a.m. he would come back with his necktie on. I just thought that was too funny. I am going to miss seeing his face and hearing his voice every morning. The morning news will just not be the same without him. His death is just a horrific tragedy and loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, kids and entire family at home and work.
Lorrie Eisenmann

Randy seemed to be your brother, a long time friend, your neighbor. He never seemed to think he was above anyone else. He made those of us at home feel that he was talking to us-his warm personality jumped thru the screen. I loved his spontaneous comments, he'd talk under his breath after an unintended mistake he'd made. He 'd laugh at himself with after he had cracked us up at home. He had such a zest for life-that was evident each time he was "in my home" -via our TV.
Your pain is palpable-I couldn't sleep last Friday evening, so I painted a picture, the entire time feeling sad. I felt heartsick for his family at home, and for you, his other family.CBS, You have lost a beloved family member. Always remember his humor, that will get you thru this. Never forget him-memories are the best way to keep a lively person's spirit with you. Thinking about him will make you realize he is still with you, in your hearts and your memories.
I pray for his wife and children, for Roseanne, Susan, Ed and Bill , plus your extended CBS NY family. You have all done his memory a great justice by talking about him with such obvious affection, & heartbreak, simultaneously. You've given us a gift sharing your into memories. You've allowed us to know so much more than we would have otherwise. You all have said what wonderful times you shared with him. That is something to hang on to, and hug each other. He seemed to be a big hugger. He left you a great treasure and you impacted his life just as much. Don't ever forget that.
Randy is with you now, every morning, only now he's changed seats. Now he spends those early morning hours on your shoulders, -you've each now got your own personal Guardian Angel. He'll jump from shoulder to shoulder when he thinks you may need his help to get thru the tough times. He'll embrace the good times with you, too. He will now be the sweet,quiet voice in the studio. He's still with you, and always will be. Just in a different way now. On your shoulders.
You'll also feel his presence when you find yourself laughing again someday. He will be with all of you forever. The soul and spirit of Randy were too wonderful not to live on thru all of you and his lovely family. Each of you were blessed to have known his personally. Those of us viewers at home were blessed to have felt we knew him electronically.
Rest in peace, Randy. Your work on earth was perfectly done, and you have left a legacy which will live on forever.
Thank you and stay strong.
With warm regards,
Mrs. Kathryn Edwards

I would like to thank WBBM as well as Randy's family for allowing us the viewers to participate in Randy's homegoing services.
I for one can now start dealing with the loss of Randy and am hoping that the other viewers will be able to start the healing process as well.
~~GLENDA~~
Randy,
I will miss your smiling face every morning when I turn on the television to watch you and Rosann, already these few days, you're missed.....it will take a while to get used to not seeing you in the mornings while I am getting ready for work and sometimes laughing out loud when you would make Rosann laugh so much, the studio will not be the same without you.....you and your family are in my prayers...as they say, you are in a better place...I know you will be watching over your family and friends......you will be missed, but not forgotten.......
Martha Aguilar
I loved waking up to Randy and the team. I will continue to watch; but it won"t be the same. God bless to all.
Lula

I hope CBS morning news will continue to use the intro of Randy and Roseanne (and Ed) dancing for a long time...certainly at least until we can bear the thought that he's gone. Love, strength and prayers to all of you and his family.
Peace, nan

My heart goes out to all of you in this saddest of times. My tears
mingle with all of yours and I feel a personal loss. Since losing my
husband two years ago, mornings come to early and too sad. Randy and
the "gang" helped me start the days with a laugh, not a tear. Randy
was truly "one in a million" and God's special blessing to us during his short time on earth.
He will live on in our hearts and memories.
In deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Sally Kilham
Randy, Our family will miss you dearly, My God keep you in his tender care, until we meet again ...... Thank You for the Memories
--Anonymous
Our deepest sympathy to Randy's family. We watched the news with Randy & and felt like he was part of our family. We share the same last name but unfortunatley we are not related. He will always be in our hearts. Randy's family will be in our thoughts & prayers. Randy's short life touched so many of ours lives. He will always be remembered.
Pat & Tony Salerno

It has been almost a week now, and I still can't believe Randy is gone. I keep turning on channel two at 5am like I have always done and for some reason I keep thinking that he will be sitting there with Roseanne, Susan and Ed. I hope that all of you can find the strength to move on, but always keep him in your hearts. He will be missed greatly by many.
I am sadden to know that I have not taken the time sooner to even write to you and tell you what a fantastic team you are. So I would like to take a moment and say to you, Roseanne, Susan and Ed please keep doing what you are doing and thank you for being there in the morning to brighten my day. I love all of you.
Kim Daniels

We wanted to add our wonderful thoughts of Randy Salerno. We watched him and Roseanne when they were on Channel 9 and since they moved to Channel 2. He seemed to be a part of our family too, even though we didn't know him personally. It is hard to express our sense of loss! We will miss him terribly and we want to send our love and prayers to his family at home, his television colleagues who were his second family, and we viewers, who considered him our family too. We are counting on the Great Comforter to continue to comfort his family and us; not only today, but every day as we finish our race. The Bible says, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:14-16. We can be happy in that and in the fact that we have the confidence that one day we will join Randy in heaven.
Mark and Rosanne Money
Bolingbrook

I never had the pleasure of meeting Randy Salerno in person, but I did have the opportunity to exchange emails with him on occasion. I was impressed with his conscientiousness and devotion to his work and to the stories he covered. My few interactions with him hinted at the type of person that he was, and that the tributes over the last few days have confirmed: that he was a fellow of great humor, but that that trait often hid the fact that he had an even bigger heart. One is lucky to have someone of Randy's qualities touch your life. In reading and viewing the tributes from his colleagues, it is heartening to see that the folks at Channel 2 realized how fortunate they were to have had someone like Randy in their lives.
- "Professor Bill"

My deepest condolences go out to his Family. I was so shocked to hear about his untimely death. My thoughts go out to his Beautiful wife and his children. I can only imagine the pain she must be going through. You see because my cousin lost her husband a few years ago leaving her and his 3 boys behind ( 2,5 and 7 years old) he was only 39, and seeing the pain and grief she went through during the few days during the wake and funeral just ripped my heart out. To this day she still waits for him to walk through the door. So you see I can somewhat feel her pain,I cry as I am writing this. So please Roseann if you read this email please give his Wife and his 3 children a big hug and kiss from me. This is truly a tragedy and such a GREAT loss to many, many people. Those who knew him and those that just watched him on CBS.
Deepest Love and Empathy
Grace M Rolfes

To all the staff at CBS,

I must say that I was very shocked last Friday to learn that Randy was killed. Just this month in the first few weeks of January I learned that a colleague on my job passed and a week later a very good friend and brother of my church passed. To learn that in addition those deaths that 'My Anchorman' Randy's life was cut short, I was reminded once again of the fragility of life. I will truly miss Randy's dry sense of humor and how he poked fun at all his co-workers. My favorite laughs were when he would always tease Susan Carlson. He treated her like a little sister…always teasing and cracking jokes. He really helped a lot of people (especially me) start of their morning with a belly full of laughter. He was so fun to watch…you never knew what would come out of his mouth next. My condolences and prayers are with His Family, the staff at CBS, and all of his adoring fans.
Ms. Dickens

Although I had never met Randy personally, I feel as though I had. I began watching Randy on WGN, and was so pleased when he re-joined Rosanne on CBS in the mornings. He, Rosanne, and the gang crew were the beginning to my mornings. Many have already said it, but it is so true that they were like family. My thoughts and prayers go out to my "morning family". Randy will be greatly missed by all.
May his memory be eternal!
Peggy Boytor, Crystal Lake

What an unbelievably tragic accident. I still cannot believe this wonderful, vital, young man has been taken from all of us. My heartfelt prayers are extended to his family that you along with all of us will always have the memories of this great guy to remember. (By the way - when Randy joined channel 2 it became my favorite morning show of choice). May God bless and comfort all of you who knew and loved him.
--Terri Mason-Lewis

He was great loved him at that hour of the morning my deepest sympathy to his family .
--Gary Rashkow.

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