Dean remembers Randy Salerno
I still feel like I’ve been socked in the stomach. When the news of the death of Randy Salerno came through our newsroom this morning, a tangible hush came over the room that's normally bustling with noise and activity. Our friend was gone. It didn't...and still doesn't seem possible.
I have incredible respect for our producers and writers who had to put their emotions aside and do their jobs of reporting the news. It reminded me of the day that Bob Collins was killed in a plane crash when a personal tragedy became the top story that we had to work. After the show, when we had time to breathe, is when the tears came.
On the air, Larry, Robin and I reminisced. It was no easy task trying to get through the show today with this dark cloud hanging over us.
When I started with WGN News, my desk was right next to Randy's in the newsroom. He helped me learn the ropes since I was coming out of radio. He was so supportive and encouraging to me and my writing style. It meant a lot to me to get a "great job" from him after a review or interview that I did.
On his desk were pictures of his wife and kids...and a discolored, old picture of a little boy with Bozo and Sandy from the old Bozo show. It was Randy from when he visited the show, probably from sometime in the 1960s. In 2001, Don Sandburg, who played Sandy on the show, was back at WGN for the taping of the final Bozo show. He was taken back to Randy's desk to see the old picture. Randy was there and was like a little kid again when he met him.
Having grown up in the Chicago area, he loved to talk TV nostalgia. He also loved talking movies and loved even more trying to stump me with movie trivia, as he was pretty knowledgeable. One day, he sarcastically bet me $1000 bucks on some movie trivia. I lost the bet. For years, every time I'd see him after that, he'd ask me for his thousand bucks.
I'm looking over at his desk now and I can picture him slithering down in his chair, watching TV with one eye, working on a story with the other while throwing out one liners about one thing or another.
There wasn't a quicker wit nor dryer sense of humor than Randy's. There wasn't a more skilled, professional than Randy. There wasn't a nicer guy; completly dedicated to his family.
I'm SO sad for Irene, the kids, his parents and his family; but I celebrate that I even knew Randy Salerno. I'll always smile when I think of him and I guess that's about the greatest thing any of us can hope for.
Enjoy every minute. Have as few regrets in your life as possible. Tell the people you love, that you love them.
Dean
Comments
Well said, Dean.
May our loss not be in vain, as we remember that our lives are a fragile gift, and may his soul find peace and joy on his journey beyond.
Posted by: Rev. Rick | January 25, 2008 12:40 PM
Beautifully written Dean...and condolences to you and all who knew Randy.
Posted by: Julie | January 25, 2008 1:09 PM
In such times it is a true comfort to hear eloquent words from someone who knew Randy so well. I immediately felt your sincerity when I met you yesterday - I wanted to relate to you that Randy's excellence was truly brought about by Don and Donna, his parents. They are two of the warmest, kindest people I know. No parent should outlive their children and this loss is simultaneously amplified and comforted by the depth of which Randy touched the lives of so many people. I pray for peace for all of Randy's loved ones, related or not.
Posted by: Tim Popp | January 31, 2008 8:24 AM
To All at WGN-TV -
Beautifully written. I am a 22
year widow, I share in Randy's
wife and family's pain very
deeply. Thanks for sharing him
with us all these years. May
God Bless and Keep you all in
His Love and Care. You are all
in our prayers.
In Him,
Glenda Sue Dillman
Posted by: Glenda Sue Dillman | January 31, 2008 11:19 AM