By Frank Macek
When I first started at WKYC in 1994, my first assignment was working on the "Tom and Del" or "Del and Tom" show as they often fought over first billing. The rest of us just called it "Today in Cleveland."
Tom had been one of the broadcasters in Cleveland television and radio who I looked up to even more in '94. As a kid still in school, I remember waking up to them each morning at 6:30 a.m. and wanting to be like Tom and Del - maybe not quite as cranky though. But, at least I wanted to be on tv because of them. They had so much fun.
My dream came true - at least behind the scenes. And there are so many fond memories of Tom that it would take hours to write about.
Every morning, Tom would come into the control room at our old E. 6th street studios and the first thing he'd select would be the opening music of the morning. A little music for the "Haley Shuffle" as his opening dance was called. Man, did Tom have the moves. They would make those housewives swoon at home we heard.
In fact Tom & Del were so popular, they lasted 16 years in morning tv until then were canceled and Tom retired.
Having worked on the air at WRMR, I always appreciated Tom's choice in music... from "On the Sunny Side of the Street" to Willie Nelson tunes to whatever else he had in his hand picked collection of "carts" or the broadcast version of those 8 track tapes we'd play.
After that, he was off to the set to stir up Del. Would he jeer Del about Martha's coffee today or be nice and have cranky thoughts on something else. You just never knew with Tom. Unpredictability is what made Tom unique.
I think the best part of the show was during the commericals. That's when the good stuff would happen between Tom & Del. Some of it staged and some of it done in spite. But the pair always have a hidden appreciation for each other.
So as we get to lower the curtain on Tom, we have to say "make it a good day, filled with lots of love, and some peace too."
