Remembering Randy Salerno

  Viewers share their thoughts and memories of CBS 2 Morning anchor Randy Salerno, who passed away in a snowmobiling accident on Jan. 24.

I just want to say that the funeral service was beautiful. I couldn't help it but I was crying and laughing at the same time and I didn't even know him. It was so apparent that Randy was so loved by many. My heart goes out to his wife, children, family and even Scott Hirschey. Remember, he has to live with this the rest of his life. I am sure he is absolutely devastated. Everyone, please pray for and support this family. Now that it is all over comes the toughest days ahead; going home to an empty house. May God bless all of you and Randy may you rest in peace. We will all see you again some day!

My deepest sympathy.
--Donna

What a wonderful man Randy seemed to be.........so many could take his lead and what a better world this would be. A shock literally went through my veins when I heard Vince Gerosoli at the end of the newscast report Randy's passing as I was about to turn the tv off to go to work. I got ready in the mornings listening and watching Randy and his colleagues. They all seemed to genuinely get along, have fun, enjoy each other, and how refreshing that was to see. He made me laugh and informed me at the same time. My morning routine has not been the same since the loss of Randy. I miss hearing his voice, wit, and laughter in the mornings. My sympathies to his family (both on and off tv), and may God bless Irene and the children. Thank you CBS for allowing the viewers to be a part of his funeral and share the tears and laughter with those close to him. May he be at peace......
--Beth

Randy was the kind of family man with a great personality and big heart that I can only dream of meeting one day. I got to be with him every morning when I awoke and this will be a tough act for any man to follow in the future in my life at least. He was a part of my mornings and afternoons that mostly made me smile, laugh, and some days cry through the laughs. He will be missed! His family will always have the fantastic memories of him through these clips plus the ones we shall never know of. Irene and the children were indeed lucky to have someone like him in their lives even if for a shorter time than he deserved. Heaven is a nice place to be right now with Randy leading the laughs!
--Kristin K

Dear CBS Family,
My mornings are not the same anymore. Randy made me laugh out loud! What a spirit Randy has as well as a love for his family, friends, and colleagues. I didn't realize just how active he was with all who loved him and needed him to lift their day and spirits. Randy had such a wit and compassion of reaching out to others. Heaven has to be laughing their "heads off," with Randy's quick wit and wondrous sense of humor and his big heartwarming smile. The angels are hovering around all of us, as we remember a guy who was bigger than life itself. What a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. God rest Randy's soul and spirit. Thank you, CBS Family, for making all of us apart of you...Blessings!
--Chaplain Carole

Roseanne, Ed, Susan, Bill, and Kris,
I just wanted to say that the entire morning show team is in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to all of you. I never met Randy, but I feel like I have lost a friend. I can only imagine the pain and grief that you are all feeling. The love that the entire morning team had for each other was always obvious, even before Randy's untimely passing. May you find strength in this painful time.
--Cindy

I will really miss Randy and his jokes and boyish smiles.
Best regards
Paul Selvage

What a tragedy - knowing what it is like to lose a loved one, my heart goes out especially to his family, and to all those who's lives he touched. I'm just a viewer, no one special, but this "nice" guy, now unfortunately through his passing, has confirmed to us those really very important things in life; being kind, not taking yourself too seriously, and holding those you love so very close to your heart, is what matters. As sad as this is, maybe everyone can learn an important lesson by this terrible event. May he rest in peace, and may God comfort and give strength to his loved ones. Very sincerely, Linda

What can I say that hasn't been said but to say ..Just through a simple TV PictureTube...he touched my life and so many others..What a Good Guy!!!...Gone way to soon... My Prayers and thought are with his family and friends.
--Jan

Thank you for letting us, the viewers, say good bye to Randy. He has been a part of our lives for many years and I feel as though I've lost a part of my family. Although I never met him, I feel as though I've known him all my life. When someone touches your heart that much, then you lose him, it creates a huge void. Randy's passing has done just that. He'll be missed more than words can ever say.

Again, thank you for letting us grieve with you and sharing in the funeral today. And God Bless Irene, Haley, Sloan and Charlie, as well as everyone at CBS2 today and always.
--Tina B

When I was the city's health commissioner, Randy did the very innovative demonstration of the effect of cold and wind on skin --- using the avascular skin of a chicken. It was masterful and memorable. Going forward I would always refer to the damage windchill could cause on our exposed skin surfaces as the "Solerno Effect".

My intermittent meetings with Randy at interviews or press conferences gave me the impression that he was "special". This has been confirmed as I have watched the tributes paid Randy these past few days.

I extend my sympathy to his professional colleagues, friends, and family.
--John Wilhelm, M.D.

I am so glad you have continued the tribute for Randy throughout this week. The grieving process can not be completed in one day. Thank you to Irene, Randy's family, and CBS for letting us grieve along with you. Randy will be missed by many. It means a lot to me that you have shared so much of yourselves with us all. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time.
--Margaret Biltgen

Dear CBS news and Salerno Family,
I loved watching Randy in the mornings. I was so sorry to hear about the loss of such a beloved husband , father, and friend. Please be assured that my thoughts and prayers are with you in all the months, weeks and days of your sorrow and tears.
Love, Carrie

I don't usually watch the news shows....except for Channel 2 with Randy Salerno. He made my day. I will miss him very much. He was such a great guy!!
--Bonnie Ledermann

I'm sure that most of the e-mails you've received thus far all offer similar words,
similar condolences and offers of deepest sympathies. Mine, of course, is no different. I am one of many who did not know Randy
personally but seem to have been grieving since learning of his death.

I watched the funeral via Internet, a small way of feeling like I too could say goodbye.
For that I am grateful. Thank you for offering this to the general public.

Although strangers to Randy and his family, our family remembers him fondly. Grace at suppertime in our home included a prayer for Randy, his wife, his children
and his family and friends. He will be remembered at dinner tables and in the homes of many... and he will never be forgotten.

My heart aches so badly for his wife and children. I will always keep them in my thoughts and pray that they find peace. It is obvious the love and the bond he shared with his family. He will never be forgotten.

With deepest sympathies,
--Laurie and family (Illinois)

To Roseanne, Susan, Ed and Kris and all the rest of the family at CBS. The author is unknown but this says so much. I send it with love and prayers for you all.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And every time you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind, all those I dearly love.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, just even for awhile,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much yet to do:
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.

But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home,
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden
throne.
He said "This is eternity, and all I've promised you"
Today life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last.
And since each day's the same way there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
And there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand and share eternity here with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

God Bless you all.
--Judy

My mouse quit the day of Randy's passing; With other things going on, as with most people, my daughter finally had the opportunity to run out & buy a new one so we could watch his funeral today. Coincidentally, I was raised in Immanuel Lutheran Church (MS) but the one located on the far south side of Chicago.......

My message is not unique - I never met Randy or any of his family or co-workers but I truly enjoyed him on the CBS Morning News program; I've been "loyal" since he moved to Channel 2 from Channel 9. Even after watching the lovely funeral service, I still cannot really believe that Randy has moved forward to that most wonderful place with GOD. We are all so heartbroken; he appeared to be "what you see is what you get" and television viewers appreciate that quality.

To his beautiful family, to his friends, to his co-workers, my deepest sympathies and may GOD heal our hearts in HIS Time.

"GODspeed" Randy - we will truly truly miss you.
--Rosemary Robinson, Chicago

To Everyone at CBS2,
I can't believe I'm writing a condolence e-mail for the people that such a young and vibrant man left behind. Randy's passing is so hard to believe. My heart is literally breaking and I truly just can't get past this.

I'd taken this past Friday off work and awoke at 8a to Eric & Kathy on 101.9 and as I lay there- groggy- I heard Eric say something about the shocking, tragic death of a CBS2 news anchorman... and I figured he'd mention the name of someone who'd lived a significantly longer life than the guy they mentioned. As Eric said, "Randy Salerno," I shot out of bed and knowing you don't have a local newscast at 8a, put WGN on, knowing his former co-workers would undoubtedly be reporting on the death of their friend. I was in total disbelief with what was on my t.v.

I immediately thought back to when I was at a Bulls game in the spring of 1997. I was a Senior in high school and from my seat behind the basket nearest the Bulls' bench, saw Randy Salerno taping an interview with a Bulls player just off to my right. Not only was I in awe at the fact that I was at a Bulls game, but I was just as "star-struck" because there was a t.v. guy standing right by me. I always thought he was cute, but really couldn't get over how tall he was!

I just finished watching Randy's funeral online in its entirety and I feel as though I was at the funeral of a caring, compassionate human being that I knew personally; a true friend. I couldn't let today go by without watching Randy's funeral because I feel he deserved it, even though he, his family, and none of you know me. I never officially met Randy, but laughed at the funny stories, and cried at the somber words that were expressed today by those who loved Randy the most.

May your hearts hurt a little less each day, may the wonderful memories you have of Randy always make you smile, may the void you feel lessen as the days go by, and may the outpouring of love from each other and "everyday" people like me get you through this most difficult time. My thoughts are with all of you.
Love,
Jennifer Bubis, Des Plaines

My deepest and heartfelt condolences on the loss of Randy Salerno. He was a very funny and sincere guy. I wish I could have met him in person. As a Crystal Lake resident I feel we were truly blessed to have Randy Salerno as a devoted resident. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, his three children, his family and friends and to all his colleagues from Channel 2 and Channel 9. He will surely be missed every morning.
--Connie

My deepest sympathy in this time of great loss. While I never had the pleasure of meeting Randy, he was in my living room on a regular basis. I will truly miss his humor and antics. He always made me smile.

To all his family, co-workers, and friends: You are blessed to have such a very special angel watching over you now. May you be comforted by all the memories of your life with Randy during his all too brief time here on earth.

Randy, we will miss you! We will never forget how you brought so much joy to so many people. Thanks for the memories. May you rest in peace.
--Patty Topp, Highland, Indiana

I can not begin to express my sarrow for Randy's family and friends.
You will be always in our hearts.
--Anonymous

I have been a loyal viewer of CBS 2's morning show since the days of Jay and Mary Ann. I couldn't have been happier when Randy and then Roseanne joined CBS 2 as the morning show anchors. I timed my morning getting ready for work routine around their broadcast. Many times the on air antics of Randy, Rosanne, Ed and Susan threw me off schedule as I had to watch to see what they were going to do next. No matter how bad the news they were reporting, you were always guaranteed a laugh watching these 4. I was always disappointed when one of them was on vacation as they show just wasn't the same.

When I was told that the company I work for was closing their office in the suburbs and moving us to the Sears Tower, I was most upset that I would miss my mornings with Randy, Rosanne, Ed and Susan. Since the move last October, I have had to settle for watching them from 5am til 5:15 (when I have to leave to catch the train) and then tuning in on my Walkman when I get downtown to catch them finish up from 6:30 to 7. I tune in again at 11 to make sure I didn't miss anything. Make no mistake, I did not tune in to keep up to date on current events. I could get those anywhere. I tuned in to get a laugh and to feel better no matter what was happening in my life or the world around me.

I will keep Randy's family, both on air and off, in my prayers as I know that while Randy is in a better place, those he touched during his time on earth will never forget what a class act he was.
--Deborah Gerdeman

Dear CBS News Team
Randy Salerno was one of the best anchors this city. I am 18 years old (going into broadcasting) and wanted to say that I was a big fan of Randy. He was an inspiration to me and all young students going into that field. I am senior at Batavia High and am going to major in broadcast comm. at Western Illinois University starting next year. Randy brought wit and tremendous humor to the morning news team. However, since I have so much respect and fondness toward CBS2, I won't stop watching becuase Randy is gone. I will and am still watching it every morning. Randy was a great anchor and journalist and will truely be missed!
--
AJ Swenson

I have always watched channel 2 news in the morning and when Randy came, then Rosanne, I just wasn't sure about it. I stuck with them and am so glad I did. I realized he had a wicked sense of humor, which I loved, and enjoyed his relationship with the rest of the morning news people. He could crack Rosanne up, set Susan up, and banter with Ed, without trying. I will truly miss him. I'd like to send my sympathy to the CBS morning team and to his wife and children.
--MaryAnn/St. Charles

I just wanted to pass on to all of you at channel 2 and to Randy's family my sincere sympathy. I can only imagine the ache you all must feel. I'm an elementary teacher who routinely started my day with Randy and Roseanne. They always put a smile on my face and got my day off to a good start. I only knew Randy through the television newscast, but he certainly was bigger than life. I imagined he affected many, many people. You're all in my prayers.
--Anonymous

To Randy Salerno's Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. A life cut so very short by an act that was unforeseen. I am sure that Randy's life long friend who was with him on the snowmobile that nite will forever carry this terrible tragedy with him for the rest of his life.

Rest in Peace Randy. I know you will be watching over your family from heaven.
--Judith Billa

REST IN PEACE RANDY.
I JUST LOST OUR BEST FRIEND AT AGE 48 IN OCTOBER.
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU ALL......
--THE CLARKS

I live in Dekalb county but watch CBS2Chicago every morning because of Randy and Roseanne. I never met Randy, but have been so impacted by his life and his death.
Not even knowing him has left an emptiness in me. My mornings won't be the same.
My sympathy to his family and friends. He obviously was an incredible man.
--Laura Abel

Ed, Roseanne, Susan and team,
I'm writing this as I watch the tape of Randy's funeral via your web site.

As surreal as this seems, I think of the technology Ed has revealed to us over the years—including the infamous segway debut. Did you ever imagine that technology would connect us all -- heart-to-heart? We celebrate Randy's life – together.
--Karen Fox

I just want to say thank you for the wonderful coverage of Randy death and funeral. Like so many I never met him but felt that he was a friend.

I just watched the tape of the funeral. Thank you for offering that to all of us that are hurting and don't know what to do about it. God Blessed us all by giving us a man like Randy, we are all better people because of the way he touched us all.

God bless you and Randy family.
--Susan

My son and I heard about Randy's accident on Friday, like so many others.
My son is a photographer for CLTV news. I never used to pay much attention to the news until I got older and had a son in the business. I try to keep up with all of the TV reporters and anchors. He sees so many of you in the field.

I was shocked to hear the news of your loss and have been haunted by the passing of this special person. I remember seeing his smiling face on Channel 9 and also on Channel 2. Although I am not an avid Channel 2 viewer, we in the audience are all part of a special community. I think about him, his family, his coworkers and friends.

It's been so nice to see clips of his on air antics, his memories. I particularly enjoyed the special weather report where he used his 6 month old Shih Tzu to measure the amount of snow that had fallen. I have an 8 lb, 2 yr old male Silky and Shih Tzu mix named CoCo. I always think of my pooch when that clip is played.

My prayers and thoughts are with each of you. I have just finished viewing the funeral webcast and found it very moving.
--Linda Zachara, Naperville IL

Thank you CBS and the Salerno family for letting us share in Randy's funeral. I feel like Irene every morning when I flip on the news at 5 and Randy is not there. It means it is real, he is really gone. I'll keep watching but it sure won't be the same. He has some big shoes to fill.
Having lost a sister and father at the same time also while on vacation, I know how it hurts. For us talking about them often helps. They are always in our hearts and a day doesn't go by that we don't think of them. I am sure that is how it will also be for all of you. Randy would be a hard man to forget. I know I never will.

God Bless you Randy and may you give your family the strength to go on without you and keep them safe.
--Patti, Crest Hill

Thank you for putting Randy's funeral on the website. It made me laugh, and cry, and feel so hopeful that Randy is in a beautiful place. The service was very touching and it put this whole terrible week in perspective.

"We make plans, but God decides."

God decided it was time for Randy to come home, but he left us with such incredible memories. I hope you leave his many videos on the website for a long time, because they are such a source of healing.

Thank you again.
Cindy

Just a quick note to say thanks for broadcasting Randy's funeral. While attending in personal may have not seemed appropriate, the viewing online made a world of difference to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the morning show these last few years. I certainly will miss Randy. I woke up each morning listening and watching him. Earlier this week, I heard his voice and immediately woke up to find that you were doing reflections. My heart goes out to each of you and his family during this difficult time. Thanks for sharing with us.
--Diana Sweeny

Dear Salerno Family,
We would like to send our deepest condolences on your loss. We enjoyed watching Randy on both WGN and CBS.
Thanks
Nancy & Family

I just wanted to drop a quick line to send my condolences to the family of Randy Salerno and the CBS 2 family also. on my days off I would get up in the morning and turn on channel 2 with Randy and Roseann. And as numerous people have said that no matter how bad your day was going that team together would always make you laugh and smile, I am going to greatly miss him. though not having the priveldge to know him personally, I was given the privilege of watching him on TV.. What he was put on this earth to do he did and now he is being rewarded in Heaven for that. Thank You Randy for making me smile when I felt like crying.
--Kim

What a sad day! We started each day by getting our coffee and then watching Randy and the team with the news! His quick wit and sense of humor was a great way to start our day. Since this happened I have thought of this poem so much and would like to share it with you.

If Tears Could Build a Stairway
And memories were a lane
We would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you back again.

No farewell words were spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why

Our hearts still ache in sadness
and secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one will every know

But know we know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still have much in store

Since you'll never be forgotten
We pledge to you today
A hallowed place within our hearts
Is where you'll always stay

In memory of Randy Salerno

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
--Gary and Kate Vaughn

So sorry to hear of the passing of Randy Salerno. I have watched all the tributes on TV and on the internet to him and cry like a baby.
I didn't know him personally but by watching CBS2 and looking at the tributes and seeing what kind of man he was he will be truly missed by everyone. My sympathies go out to his family and his CBS family as well.
Rock on Randy!
--Terri. Naperville

I didn't know Randy personally, but I felt like I lost a GREAT friend. I looked forward to seeing him every morning, my mornings will not be the same without him. My prayers go out to his family and his family at CBS. He will be greatly missed. Thanks Randy for making my mornings a good one.
--Sandy

I just watched the webcast of Randy's funeral - what a beautiful ceremony for a wonderful man. I listen to the morning show every morning while preparing for work and would run to the TV set when I heard them all laughing - usually during one of Randy's and Roseann's funny exchanges or the latest funny websites. I miss him as do many Chicagoans and want his family, friends and co-workers to know we share your sadness and pray for his family and friends. Remember the good times!
--Carol

Oh CBS, Randy will be missed. I really missed him when he left WGN, but it was nice to see him on CBS. And it really was nice that RoseAnn went over as well. I am very sorry that he left such a young family, but the have great memories of their wonderful dad and husband. Hopefully they will make many many more memories with their mom and the rest of the family. Snowmobiling is very fun but it always seems to get extremely wild! I feel really bad for his childhood friend, that has to be hard as well.
With deep sorrow
--Donna in Arlington Heights

I just wanted to take the time and thank Randy's family and Chanel 2 for allowing us to be a part of his funeral and pay our respects to such a wonderful man. I must admit I never met Randy but just inviting him into my mornings every morning made me feel as if I knew him, I have to say that I've been a mess watching his tributes and his funeral on the website but to see his wife and her strength at the funeral gave me strength. I will keep Randy's family; especially his children & his Chanel 2 family in my prayers so that you may have the strength to move forward.
Thank you again & God Bless every one of you that loved Randy.
--Andrea V. Talamantes

My husband and I remember Randy as always being funny.
He made us laugh and smile. There are not a lot of people that have that type of personality in today's workplace.
He will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family, friends and those at CBS. --Joan and Ed, Porter Indiana

As I watch the morning show since the sudden and tragic death of your friend and colleague, I can see the deep sadness and excruciating pain in your eyes and voices. It must be very agonizing to 'carry on' without Randy. It is like being cut in two; you are no longer whole. I believe there are many, many viewers like me who share your grief as reflected by the letters and emails sent.
He was a bright spot in my day; I always turned to CBS in the morning, hoping to catch Roseanne's and Randy's humorous exchanges. I'm so glad you have compiled some clips of Randy's funniest escapades. Could they not just go on forever?
I can sympathize with you all and especially Randy's family. Not so long ago, my husband, at age 46, left one morning for his annual fishing trip with his best friends. He was tragically killed in a boating accident that same day. 
I really don't know why I'm sharing this part of my life with you, but in some way, I'm praying his family and you at CBS 2 can be comforted. I encourage you all to continue talking about Randy, using his name, and reaching out to his family. It has been said that even though friends can be of great help in times of grief, only Christ can reach beyond the tears and touch the deep hurts of the heart. I pray this is so for all.
--With sympathy, Libby

Randy's passing has left many a hole in the heart, and thousands of hearts that he touched were just his viewers. He will be so sorely missed, as I enjoyed watching his antics each morning as I work out. Yet, Roseann, the emptiness in your heart is unimaginable. After working with Randy at the 9 and at CBS, he seemed to be your pesty little brother that was always trying to get your good side! You were his trusty sidekick, someone that would catch him and just laugh at him on air, and the bond seemed unbroken. And that really, really hurts. Yet, say a prayer each day before you start the news. Say that prayer now to Randy that he can help you get thru each newscast. Yet, as the days turn into a month, say that prayer to him and thank him for giving you something good that day. Make sure you include his family. It only takes a minute. As time moves ahead, make sure you let his children know more about him as they grow older. When the day is going bad, you can certainly look to the sky and swear at him, as you know he got you into the mess!! My heart aches for you, and I only hope you find solace in this void by wrapping your arms around your loved ones just a little harder each day.
--Sheila Martinotti, Oak Park

Even though I'm only 16, I get up in the morning at 6:00 every weekday. And I always turn on Channel 2 until I leave for school. Mornings won't be the same without Randy… --Conrad Ohr

I live in Lakewood which is right next door to Crystal Lake and I watched Randy on the news every night. I never knew him personally but I enjoyed his newscast. I just finished watching this funeral on video and I was so touched by his wife's strength and the eulogy she gave. I will pray for her and the children in my daily prayers to have continued strength in the future. I know I will miss him on the news and I know it will be extremely hard to replace him. The girls do a beautiful job and I know they will miss him terribly.
God Bless
--Jean Masek

I live in Algonquin with my husband and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My oldest son is a firefighter/paramedic in Fox River Grove and lives in Crystal Lake and has friends that knew Randy and said what a GREAT GUY he was.
Thank you, and again I am so very sorry for your loss.
--Carol Ceas Algonquin, Ill.

Thank you so much for allowing all of us to see the funeral for Randy .What a beautiful celebration of life . My son and I pray for his wonderful family and friends.
I wish I could have met Randy personally but at least I got to know him through the news. What a special person, the first day I watched him when he was on WGN I noticed that he had a smile that was so special !!!!
God bless you Randy, thank you for showing us what life is to be, Your family is incredible !!!!!
--Carol Boswell

To a brother I wish I had met..
I saw Randy at the rib fest in Naperville..I missed the opportunity to introduce myself thinking that I will get another chance.
So, I emailed him a message telling him
that he and Roseanne were team players.
Also, I did say that I saw him at the rib fest.
Gods speed to you and the family. I feel that you are still here in spirit.
--Tyrone

I was watching the morning your station announced his death, what a surreal experience. It has taken me this long to write to all of you, his family and his TV family, to express my condolences. There really are not any words to ease this incredible pain, just time. May love and support flow your way. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
--Carole White, faithful viewer

Dearest Channel 2 News Staff,
I'm a math teacher in Gary and I wake up every morning with my television set to channel 2 news. I love channel 2 news morning staff (Roseanne, Ed, Susan, Bill) and even Kris Habermehl. I can't imagine watching you all without Randy. I lost my father almost a month ago and he was funeralized on Saturday, January 5, 2008. Loosing Randy, although I didn't really know him, left a whole in my heart just like it did loosing my dad. I hope and pray that time will heal all of us. It breaks my heart to think of Randy's children without their father. I had my dad for 75 years and they had theirs for 45. Thinking of the good times that was spent with love ones with help. Thank-you for sharing the good times that you all spent together with us. It means a lot to the viewers. Keep The Faith.
--Rochell Hazelett

Last Friday after work, I was headed home when I heard about Randy's passing. Immediately, I felt this incredible sadness and grief as if I had lost someone I had known personally. Over the week, I've thought about it and realize that it is really a tribute to Randy that I felt this way. I watched him over the years at both channel 9 as well as 2, and found him to be such a real person. Reading over the other viewers' comments, it is evident that he had made this impression on lots of people. In a way, it is a privilege to be "invited" into peoples' kitchens and living rooms day in and day out, and he clearly respected this privilege with the way he delivered the news. The true key to his success was that added some lightness to the news, which is the only way one can tune in day after day in this world of ours. I have tremendous admiration for his wife after watching the dignified manner in which she delivered her own eulogy, which had to take great strength. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and the news teams at both 2 and 9. I appreciated the professional and heartfelt tributes at both stations as colleagues recalled memories of their friend. God bless you all. --Beth, Deerfield

Dear Channel 2 News Family and Salerno Family,
My husband and I were so sad to hear of Randy's passing. We watched him and the Channel 2 family every morning over coffee with our dogs at our side. It was the way we started our day…coffee and a good laugh over the news team! Randy's dry sense of humor and caring nature always left us with a chuckle. Although he will not be with us doing the news, he will be in our hearts forever.
May God Bless Irene, Randy's children and the morning news family. We miss you, Randy!
--Warmly, Susan and Jim Runnfeldt

My heart and prayers go out to Randy's wife and children. He brought smiles and laughter to so many. We all will miss him and were vary blessed to spend our mornings with him and Roseanne!!!! Just know the Lord is with you at this time. --Helen M.

I remember watching Randy Salerno on WGN well over 10 years ago. I became a huge WGN morning news fan. When Randy and the very lovable Rosanne (She's awesome) were hired at CBS made it very hard for me. I felt like a wishbone, I started flipping the remote between commercials to watch you both. You folks at CBS had a really cool news anchor in Randy. He will be missed by many, I will be one of them. My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew him personally.
Respectfully, Tracy R. I remember watching Randy Salerno on WGN well over 10 years ago. I became a huge WGN morning news fan. When Randy and the very lovable Rosanne (She's awesome) were hired at CBS made it very hard for me. I felt like a wishbone, I started flipping the remote between commercials to watch you both. You folks at CBS had a really cool news anchor in Randy. He will be missed by many, I will be one of them. My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew him personally.
--Respectfully, Tracy R.

I started to watch Channel 2 about 3 years ago. And it just transformed my 5am mornings. Randy had such a great sense of humor, so REAL--he said things that I would say and it made me feel close to him. The whole team was great.
I have watched the past 3 days and it hurts me to see how much pain they are in.
I especially feel bad for Rosanne, it must be like loosing a brother.
My prayers are with the morning team. And I will watch and heal with all of them. --Jeanette Wilbert, Batavia

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