Farewell to Del
As Del Donahoo prepares to retire after 39 years at Channel 3 News, we're taking the week of January 29th to remember his amazing run at the station.
If you'd like to leave a message for Del, please click on the "comment" link below.
If you'd like to leave a message for Del, please click on the "comment" link below.
posted by Dan at
3:21 PM
104 Comments:
hey del hope that everything goes well see you when we walk down your street next time with my mom or dad and our barkley dog from
the humphrey family
Dear Dell,
We will all miss you very much,but whatever you do and where ever you go in life now may god be with you and keep you in all that you do.I want you to know that it just won't be the same with out you in our lives.take care and be safe.
Your friend,
Donna Broomfield
Dear Del,
I just want to wish you a well deserved happy retirement. I remember getting up early in the morning getting ready to start my day with you. Here's to hoping you get to do all that you want in your retirement. You deserve it.
Take care!
The Smith Family
Euclid, Ohio
Dear Del,
After all these years, you are just like a member of our family. We will miss your welcome contribution to our lives, but you will certainly remain in our prayers.
May Our Lord bless your retirement with much good health and happiness.
Many thanks for all the great shows and very useful information. You helped us to grow and learn about interesting people and unusual places that would have otherwise never hit our radar. You showed us so many wonderful vistas! We traveled to many destinations and experienced vicarious delights through you. What a wonderful blessing you are to so many people. Channel 3 and its viewership will mourn your departure.
God bless and keep you always,
The Toronto family
P.S. We were deeply sorry to hear of your dear wife's passing. May Our Lord embrace her in His tender arms for all eternity.
Dear Dell,
We have enjoyed like many others watching to see where your next adventure would take you, Sorry we never had the chance to invite you to our store in Chardon, but we certainly hope you enjoy your retirement!! Have Fun.
Fondly,
All of us at
"For The Birds" Chardon, Ohio
Dear Del,
Thanks for the memories. Mornings were so fun with you and Tom Haley. I remember when you used to read the school closings on snow days. I loved your travels and wish you a healthy and happy retirement- on the sunny side of the street!
Dell- I wish you joy and happiness in your upcoming retirement. You are always a calming force at channel 3 and I will truly miss your road trips. God Bless and enjoy your new adventure.
You will be missed. Enjoyed your travels over the past 38 years. May God Bless You and Keep You and give you many years to enjoy your retirement. The Harrison family.
Dear Dell,
We will miss you very much,as you have shared our breakfast table since 1989 and after we relocated from a small rural area in central Illinois to the big city. Whatever you do and where ever you go in life, may God be with you. Our mornings will not be the same with out you, but we wish you the best in your future endeavors!
Dear Del,
Broadcasting will miss the integrity you brought to your work. Younger journalists should look at your career and learn the true measure of the profession. Not only is it important to be a good reporter who can craft stories but at the end of the day you should be respected by peers and audiences alike. Your shadow looms large not just at WKYC but throughout the industry. We all should be inspired by the quiet grace with which you represent journalism and attempt to follow the path you forged. Thank you for the inspiration.
Del, I will surely miss seeing you on the show. May God bless you and have a long and fullfilling retirement you so deserve.
A long time fan from Thompson, OH
Del, you have been such a wonderful way to start our day. My husband and I started watching when it was the Tom & Del show. You always made me smile before I left for another day at the office. God bless you always. May your retirement be everything you expect.....this is like saying good-bye to a member of my family
Pat & Dave Ross
Good luck and best wishes in your retirement, Del.
May God Bless and Keep You,
Powell Caesar
With a great sense of humor and a generous heart, you are one of the greatest treasures Cleveland has to offer, on or off the air.
Dear Del,
We are very sorry to hear you are leaving us. We have watched you for many years, and our family always enjoyed your work. As a matter of fact, you always seemed like part of the family,I have very fond memories of my Dad (now deceased)and I watching you and Tom when you were on early in the morning. And I miss Martha's coffee, too. Best Wishes to you.
Thanks a Lot,
The Sawyers Family.
Another part of cleveland history is leaving us. As one other clevelander once said thanks for the memories del. Cleveland had a great deal good times with you tom and martha in the morning! Will miss seeing the del folks wagon around town because somebody got to spend part of there day with a great iowa boy! God bles and good luck you kept us smiling for years
Del
I watched you every week with Tom every morning many years ago. I will miss you greatly as I have seen almost all of your records over my lifetime.
Thank You for all the Memories
Willis
dear del, you will be missed on tv. i enjoyed watching you trips. they were great. good luck in your retirement. enjoy it. don't forget the places you have been. remember your memories. enjoy them. i wish you the best of luck. connie l guhde.
The Del's Folks sticker was always a sign that meant you would be greeted with a cheery "hi there" and a decent cup of coffee when you entered. Best wishes for a long, happy retirement.
Del,
I hope retirement is good for you. You may not remember me, but I did the weather on your morning show with Tom. Tom was not too happy about it but you were very kind and helpful. Good Luck!
Paul Edmunds
now in Chattanooga, TN
Dear Del:
Our family enjoyed you and Tom for years, then you for years in the early morning hours getting ready for work and school. Tom & Del was a household word. You will be missed. May God Bless You and yours. Hope to see you around, stay well and healthy.
Sincerely,
The Muetzel Family
We've enjoyed your reports for years and we hope you have a wonderful retirement!
Jan & Mike
Dear Del,
My Mom passed away almost 20 years ago when I was still in my mid-twenties. But everytime I hear your voice I remember her coming upstairs to wake me up for school.
She used to have your program (with Tom) on every day and I could hear the TV from my room.
Enjoy yourself.
God Bless You.
Pat Galaska
Del,
Best wishes in your retirement. You have had a most distinguished career and we will miss your Del's Folks for certain. We started our day with you and with Tom and Del for over 2 decades. God Bless you.
You represent all that is good in the broadcast industry. You may be succeeded but you can never be replaced. Gale and Carol Gault, Tallmadge Ohio
All the best,Del. I'm sure going to miss you. S. Calderone
Dear Del,
I remember receiving my first alarm clock for Christmas when I was in the third grade. My mother was tired of waking up so early so that I could watch you and Tom. I would set it so I could make breakfast and have time to get dressed for school before watching Channel 3. MY family thought I was crazy! I continued to watch until going to college, and, upon my return, the show was no longer on the air.
I will miss you, and will fondly remember my many good mornings with you, Tom, and Martha's coffee.
Best,
Becky
Dear Del,
I am only 33 years old but i remember watching you gorwing up and yor morning show i watched it every morning before school. You always have been great and will miss you glad to hear we can still watch you. God bless in everytihng you do!1
Dear Del,
You certainly will be missed but enjoy all your future endeavors. I grew up watching you and will miss your morning visits. Take care.
Dell, Or should I say THE ORIGINAL DELL!! (the computer guy plays second fiddle to you hahahaha)
I remember waking up before going to school and watching you do the farm reports, I always laughed when you said Pork Bellies..dunno why..I just did. Then I grew up joined the military left Cleveland for 5 years, came home and who was still there in the morning...Dell. So much changed but you were the constant face that started my day off with a smile.
You will be missed Dell, your contagious laughter, country smile and warm, loving spirit are not things often found on TV anymore.
May God Bless you and as you enter the retirement you so richly deserve and as the song says...THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!!
The Wolf Family
Del,
Best to you and enjoy the time off.
From all of us at
the FM 88-9
The Sunday Oldies Jukebox
Del:
God bless you in your future endeavors. You are such a sweet, gentle, caring Christian man. You deserve the best life has to offer. Stay healthy and happy.
Sue
Del,
I hope you have a long and happy retirement, and are able to catch up on the hobbies and interests that may have taken a back seat over the years. You have certainly earned it.
Thank you,
A long time viewer.
Del - wishing you only the best in your well deserved retirement. You will be missed, I have enjoyed watching you for years. You deserve only the best.
Toni Littera
Del, wishing you a happy retirement. I recently moved to Virginia Beach. Sure don't have anyone like you down here. If you get this way, say hi.
Dad
Your family is so proud of you and know that your future will be bright. We will always be here for you--we love you. I am very lucky and proud to be your daughter.
Marcy
Dad
Your family is so proud of you and know that your future will be bright. We will always be here for you--we love you. I am very lucky and proud to be your daughter.
Marcy
Dear Del,
Congratulations on your retirement.
From chains out of matchsticks Gene.
Your Friend,
Gene Gray
Thank you for all of your great work and recommendations over the last 39 years. You be missed! Good Luck
Dear Del,
I will mostly miss the restaurant reviews you did on weekends. Good luck with your retirement.
Dear Mr. Donahoo, I just want to say I am so sad to see you leave. You have been a part of my Saturday mornings for a very long time. A few years back I got off the bus at Columbia and Lake Road and you were mailing a letter there. I was so excited to finally meet you and you were just as nice as you are on Dells Folks. I am old enough to know that all good things must come to an end but that doesn't make things any easier! I do wish you the best of luck and much health and happiness to you. Sincerely, Barbara Kara
Del, I will certainly miss your wonderful stories and restaurant reviews. You always made me hungry--and even "made" me try some of the restaurants. I remember getting up every morning with you and Tom, your farm reports and Martha's coffee. It felt like I could smell it brewing right through the TV set. Good luck with your retirement. Now, maybe you can sleep in till noon!!!!!
Hello Del, You will be missed so much. I really enjoyed going with you on your tours of each location. Thanks for taking out the time to visit those locations and giving all of us the opportunity to tag along. May your retirement be a continued adventure and know that you are loved and missed. Thank you so much. The Freer Family
Del;
We've enjoyed your features on channel 3 for as long as I can remember. Several years ago my Son and I were going somehwere downtown and parked in the garage behind (the old) WKYC building. We saw you going to your car and recognized you. We went up and said hello, and you were so kind, and genuinely interested on when and where we saw your reports, etc.
My Son (the about 10) had a great story to tell at school that week, about how he met a TV star, and how nice he'd been!
Enjoy your retirement. You'll probably just stay home, since you've already been to all the little out of the way places in Ohio!
Dear Del,
Some of my fondest memories while teaching in Cleveland are of riding with Marcie to work. I loved hearing the stories of growing up as Del's daughter. I hope you know how proud your family is of you and I wanted you to know that they share those thoughts.
May God bless you on your new ventures. I hope you continue to do the wonderful job you have always done.
Toni
Dear Del,
Thanks for all the years of entertainment and wholesome comments. We look forward to learning about the 'rules' for successful aging as you work with MetroHealth in the future.
Best regards,
Dear Del You are one of the few TV people who has been a wonderful witness for your faith in Jesus Christ. Your character, honesty and kindness are a tribute to your family. Your daily show started our day on a positive note when you displayed attributes we wanted to show to others. You were a mentor and didn't know it. Your kindness for the "common" people trying to do their best is unforgettable. Your dear wife too influenced us. Thank you Del and God speed.
Dear Del...You are one of the great legends of Cleveland TV. What I will remember, personally, is when I was downtown you drove by and waved. It was nice to be acknowledged. Thanx so much for making our days brighter.
Dear Del,
If you would like to go out with a Roar, you could help us pass a law this year to ban contact with big cats. The bill will be called Haley's Act after a young girl was mauled to death by a tiger while posing for her senior photo. After your incident with Fester, you know what it likes to be able to live to tell the story.
The following is a partial listing (794) of incidents involving captive big cats since 1990. These incidents have resulted in the killing or deaths of 234 big cats, 68 human deaths, more than 242 human maulings, 213 exotic cat escapes and 363 confiscations. http://www.bigcatrescue.org/big_cat_news.htm
Please contact me if you are willing to help. Thank you!
Carole Baskin, Founder of Big Cat Rescue 12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625 813.493.4564 MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org
Good Luck and Best Wishes to Del!
Dear Dell:
We wish you the best in your retirement. I'm sure you will still keep busy. It's been a privilege to know you.
Your friend,
Wally @ Dorothy Techau (Iowa Club)
Del, I always enjoyed your travel and restaurant reports. Had been following them since 1971, and you were the first reporter in town to do reports on people, places, and things. Best of luck to you.
Bill
Mentor, OH
Thanks for always being there,
As i've grown to a middle aged 47, and having been born and moved in and out of NE Ohio 3 times since 1980, I was always happy and secure to see your smiling face each time I returned. I'm happy that my children were able to enjoy you as well. Thanks for being a constant in our lives.
God Bless,
Patti N. in Westlake
del happy retirement and health and happiness always!
del happy retirement health & happiness always thomas ellis-greewnich,ohio
When I was in high school 1980-1982 I would get ready in the morning and watch you and Tom from 6:30-7 am. I loved you 2; then i would watch the beginning of the Today show (I wanted to be the next Jane Pauly). You would always talk about Martha's coffee, and Tom would always have a wisecrack or 2. Those were good memories. Take care, Del. I love you.
Diane
Dear Del,
I've watched you for years on television and thoroughly enjoyed all your shows. You will be missed a great deal. Wishing you a retirement filled with health, happiness and peace.
Dear Del,
I will miss seeing you on the morning show! I've enjoyed all of your reports, especially the ones about special people. After I watched your piece on Kati Russell, the Angel Artist, I e-mailed you to get more information about her. What a nice surprise to hear your voicemail message the next day - you sounded just as nice as you do on TV. And your message was so kind. I know that you will always miss your beloved Martha, like I will always miss my beloved Dad, but may your memories, the love of your family and friends, and your faith in God comfort you.
I wish you much peace and joy, and I look forward to seeing your weekly reports!
Best wishes,
Peggy
Dearest Sweet Del,
I remember you coming to my parents home "Down on the Big Prairie" the first time you visited, my Dad wore his everyday clothes. we couldn't believe he didn't dress up a bit, when we mentioned it to him, he said "Del is a Good Ole Boy and doesn't care how I dress" It may not be a direct quote, but pretty close. And you were, a good guy! Not fake or showy, what people see on TV is the REAL YOU. We miss your morning show with Tom, but we are glad you stayed on for your Del's Folks and Resturant reports.
You were at my wedding and
People couldn't believe that you were there, because you were such a busy person. It was so nice of you to come, you made my special day, that much more special.
Tho Dad has been gone now 20 years, you continue to be a very good friend to my Mom.
Please continue to visit Wayne and Holmes Counties when you can, and let us know when you come, we would love to see you.
May The Good Lord grant You a LONG, HAPPY, AND HEALTHY RETIREMENT!
We will be watching for you on the MetroHealth segments, with your great big smile.
As many have said, "Thanks For The Memories"....there sure have been a lot of them!
God Bless,
Deb Shriver Smith
(George & Millie Shriver's Daughter)Wooster, OH
Dear Del,
Thank you so much for all the mornings of "Today in Cleveland."
I watched it every day before school in the early 90s. I remember when I went to the station with my mom and sister and we watched you and Tom tape the show. I still have that tape and have watched it many times over the years. That was on President's Day in 1994. You and Tom had the best show on television.
Best wishes as you embark on a "new career" with MetroHealth.
Sincerely,
Michelle Bashian
Del,
For some time I've thought that I should send you a note. I was born and raised a little town about 35 miles NE of Kansas City. Imagine my suprise when I got to NE Ohio and saw you and John Harrington on channel 3. I remember you both from WDAF in KC. Wasn't Randal Jessie at KCMO. Any way, I wish you well as you leave WKYC. It sounds like your 'retirement' will be short lived. Has it really been 39 years!?
Bob Ashcraft
Dear Dell,
Enjoyed mornings watching you and Tom. Gave a start to the day with smiles and laughs.
Enjoy your semi-retirement and will look forward to watching you on the TV in your new venture.
Happy "Semi"-Retirement
God Bless :-)
Dear Del,
Say it isn't so! I'm 34-years-old and feel like I've known you my whole life. My brother (who is 32) and I woke up and got ready for school to you and Tom every morning when we were in Junior High and High School. You both made us laugh every day, and we still talk about those great memories with Martha's coffee (and your smiley face mug!), Tom's wisecracks, the farm report and, of course, Hank!
When my grandparents did a brass rubbing exhibit at their church in Brecksville, they became "Del's Folks" and they were celebrities in our minds because they got to meet you and get on TV!
A couple of years ago, I went to the Home & Garden Show at the IX Center and you were there. My Dad still laughs about how excited I was to meet you - I talked about it all day!
More recently, I have really enjoyed watching your "Del's Feasts" and trying new restaurants based on your recommendations. I tell my husband, "This place was on Del's Feasts!"
I was so saddened to hear you lost Martha last year. I felt I knew her through you and she was so obviously your soul mate. Our hearts are with you.
I am so glad to hear you will still be around and on Channel 3. THANK YOU for all the smiles and for sharing so very much of yourself with all of us. You will always be a part of so many of my favorite memories.
Best wishes!
Peace,
Marcy Dory
Dear Del,
Congratulations on a happy and much deserved retirement! I was surprised by how much I was affected by hearing you were retiring. Mostly, I've been reminiscing about my childhood, as I grew up with you and Tom every morning. I got to spend every morning before school with "the old guys" and just loved watching you both fight every day. I even had my picture shown on my birthday, and one year you both commented because you received my picture from two different people.
I had the pleasure of meeting you in Wooster several years ago, and it was like reuniting with family. Thank you for being such a genuine person!!
I wish you the best of health, the best of times, and hopefully the best compliments a person could garner. Thank you for being such an important part of all of our lives for such a long time. You will be missed!!
Sincerely,
Doug Huston
Dear Dell,
I have watched you faithfully and have enjoyed all of your shows. I am putting you right up there with missing Johnny Carson. It just wont be the same! You are such an inspiration and joy to watch. Thank you for all of your positive and pleasant moments. Many blessings to you and enjoy!
Lori Besancon
Fredericksburg, Ohio
Del,
Good luck with whatever the future holds. For many, you aren't just a part of Channel 3, you ARE Channel 3. Take care and God bless...
Dear Dell,
I have been getting up sence I was 5 years old just to watch you before school. And here i am 10 years later just watching you last day. I hope you have a happy retirement.
Kathleen
Dear Dell
I remember meeting you at the American Culinary Federation Convention in Cleveland 2000. You spoke at a lunch for the retired chefs. Plus I believe we share a birthday November 15!
Wishing you good health and happy retirement.
Robi Kublin
Willowick Ohio
What will mornings be like without Del? I got a tast of that a few years ago when WKYC cancelled "Today in Cleveland". How dare they? I loved that show. Every morning I'd get up and have one or two of my children curl up on my lap. We'd laugh as Tom did the Haley Shuffle (he danced like Grampa!) and watch for anyone we knew on the birthdays. Imagine their surprise when they'd see their own picture on their special day! I have many videotapes of those special moments. I even changed my work schedule so I wouldn't miss the show. We loved hearing the weather report from Jimmy's in Sandusky! We cried as we watched the last show. :(
I was so mad when they cancelled the show that for several months I refused to watch WKYC. Then I realized that you was still on the news and seeing you a couple times a week was better than not at all! I still miss the old show. You gave us so many happy times when we'd see you at various parades or festivals or when you graced our little town to do a show from McClain's restaurant.
I am sorry you won't have Martha with you to enjoy the coming years. My kids would get so mad when Tom called her coffee "awful"!
Best wishes in all you do. You are a great man.
Del,
Many have come and gone on Channel 3, but you have been a constant for all of us. I have looked forward to seeing your smiling face and inspiring stories and suggestions for the "good eats" in our area for many years. I enjoyed watching you with Tom Haley, back in the day too. I remember seeing you at the Midway Mall in Elyria, and always got a warm and happy feeling when I would see your Del's Folks vehicle around town. I think that we all have needed and enjoyed you because of your "down to earth" personality and uplifting stories. Even thought I do not know you personally, I feel a great loss with your leaving. I pray that you receive back the peace, love, joy and inspiration that you have shown us over the years...two-fold. Godd Bless.
Kathy
Dear Del,
My husband and I have been married 39 years we have listened to you through these years from holding our children on our laps with their early morning feedings to rushing around in the early morning getting ready for work to now, both of us retired..the years fly by.You and Tom Haley always started our mornings out with a smile through these years.Our best wishes go out to you for a wonderful retirment.
Sincerely
The Tenaglia family
Canton, Ohio
Del it must be nice to be able to retire and still have a job. I will be watching you to get some tips on how to age as gracefully as you have. I remember the first time I met you and Martha, when you came to Big Prairie for some of my Mom's gumbo. Dad and Mom always enjoyed calling in the weather report. I have enjoyed watching you on TV and talking to you whenever you came to Wayne/Holmes county. Best of luck and keep in touch. God bless you.
Love Sandy Shriver (George and Millie's daughter)
Wooster Ohio
Hi Del,
I have watched you for years. As my children were growing up and I was getting ready to go to work, you always gave us a good start for the day. When you and Tom left your show, it was a sad time for us. It was great you continued on with Del's folks. We enjoyed watching your travels. (By the way I have not heard anything about Tom, where is he and how is he doing?) You will be dearly missed and God Bless you and your new endeavors! The Flesher Family
Hey Del,
Thank you for all of your years of great reporting and travels. I will miss your face on the morning news! You have been like a part of my family for so many years. Good Luck to you in your retirement. Stay safe and happy!
Sandra Sandoval
Madison, OH
Dear Del:
My wife and I wish you the best in your retirement. We certainly enjoyed you and Tom for many years. Hope he is doing well also. We are thankful my wife was at one of your road trip locations in Tallmadge, Ohio and got a chance to meet you. God bless you and good luck.
Don and Carole Gergely
Hi Del! My dad and I used to watch you and Tom every morning and it was nice to start the day laughing! I worked at the Sohio at Detroit and Columbia and remember you coming in for gas...the good old full service days! I also met you and Martha at Cliff and Barbara's 40th anniversary party and I was sitting at the next table over at their 50th. Anyway, good luck and I'll miss those Del's folks segments. You always think these things are going to last forever!
Sincerely,
Lisa
Dear Del,
Even though I have never been featured in one of your stories, I feel as though I have been one of "Del's Folks" for over 30 years. I haven't gotten to watch you regularly but I have enjoyed seeing you when I have been in the area. Your pieces are always well-done, inspiring, and enjoyable. I know you will be missed by many in the Cleveland area but I hope this retirement will enable you to make appearances in other locales - maybe even closer to where I am! Take care, be sare, and know that you are loved deeply by many.
Love, Phyllis (Lindy) in OP
Cheers to all of your roads traveled Del!
Your friends at Clear Channel Radio.
Dear Del,
I am a 48 year old woman who has grown up watching u and this morning I saw that u are retireing and it made me cry. There are not to many very kind, wonderful people like u that we can see on tv anymore that just reminds me of a person with morals, kindness and someone we want our children to know. You will be so very missed and just another big part of our lives that will be missing. I wish u all the best in the rest of your life. I know that god has really shinned on u for bringing such happiness to so many of us.. I just want to say THANK YOU, Debbie Marks
Thank you for the morning show that you and Tom used to do, as well as for your "Del's Folks Feasts." I used to watch you before school began in my elementary and middle school days when you and Tom were on, and it wsa great to see a couple of great men laughing it up and taking life and the world how it ought to be taken. You guys set a good example for me. And you were very funny, too!
God Bless You Always, (and Tom too,)
Chris Zerucha, Berea
(now in Wickliffe)
i will miss you on the morning news.may god bless you in what ever you do.
Must have gone to almost all of the restaurants you featured. Never a bad meal at any of them. Watched you and Tom every morning, and then, just you, doing segments on the news shows. Will miss you very much. Much luck and love, A Loyal Fan
Del,
The best to you in the coming years. Even though I never had the pleasure to meet you in person I feel you are a member of the family...I am in my late 30s and have many fond memories of watching you & Tom Haley in the morning...what a great broadcasting team you were. Plus, of course, I've always enjoyed Del's folks.
I believe that your work and that of your contemporaries was part exemplified the "Golden Age" of Cleveland broadcasting...God Bless.
Dear Del,
You missed an 'l'. By the way, I still haven't gotten the Dell replacement battery for my notebook computer I sent in months ago! Please look into the matter.
Thank you.
George Bush
Dear Del,
I wish I was as old and wise as you, so I could retire and sit at home and scratch my balls all day long!
Del, for years my wife and I have enjoyed watching you and your Dels Folks segments. I've actually had the pleasure of meeting you twice while you were filming in a resturant.. We will miss you but we wish you all the very best... Thank you for all the memories!
Del,
I have fond memories of directing Today in Cleveland with you and Tom, Grump-Grump and Hank the Rooster. You are a dear friend. More than you'll ever know, you have been a role model for many of us who have been part of the CHANNEL 3 family throughout the years.
Your friend,
Janie
Dear Del,
Thank you for you morning friendship. Thorughout the years getting ready for work has always been easier when watching you. Wether it was with Tom or the Del's Folks, your honesty and sincerity has always shown through. May your new career be enjoyable as you have made mornings for me. I sadly say goodbye, but more importantly THANK YOU.
Dear Del,
I have many fond memories of getting ready to leave for school with you and Tom Hailey and Martha's coffee. I don't know how I'm going to decide where to go for a good meal without your feasts to help me. I look forward to your reports for senior health. God bless and keep you. You have been a wonderful asset to channel 3 and Cleveland.
LCR
Dear Dell,
I hope all goes well in your future. You and Tom Haley brought great joy into my morings before school. I just wish my children could have some one as great as you to wake up to. Good Luck and God Bless!!
Casey Quellhorst
Dear Del,
I never had the opportunity to meet you in person but I feel as if I know you from all the years I enjoyed you on television. Everyone in my family knows when Del is on it's time to turn up the volume and everyone to be quiet!
We'll miss you very much, but hope that you enjoy your well-deserved and long overdue retirement!
Best Wishes!
Dear Del,
What great moments I "lived" with you and Tom watching you every morning before I went to school as a teacher in the 1980's. You and Tom were a great team, complimenting each other so well and having good-natured fun. It made us feel like we were friends. Today's media could use a dose of you two again.
Thanks for your great work and we're looking forward to your future spots with WKYC!
Paul Stellar
Dear Del,
Thank you for all the wonderful memories you have given our family. We woke up with you and Tom for many years and have visited many of the restaurants that you recommended on Del's Feast. We wish you the best of luck on your retirement. You deserve to finally take it easy.
Good Luck! the DeBaltzo's
Dear Del, Before retiring, I watched your show with Tom in the morning before school unless there was bad weather and had to watch a local station. (teachers like a delay now and then also!) Thanks for the memories. Still have enjoyed the restaurant reviews on Sat. Have a great retirement. Bev Deerwester, Fostoria, Ohio
Dearest Del,
I am a 46 year old woman who has watched you on tv for a long time. As my children were growing up and I started teaching fulltime, I enjoyed your morning show with Tom. It was very homey, and it made me feel like my dad was sitting there speaking to me. In this world of change, sometimes too often, it is nice to have had a constant in you over the years. I admire your continued get-up and go attitude, and realize that it cannot be easy for you to get around at times. I'm also sure that it is difficult for you to enter this realm of your life without your wife, as well. Martha is surely smiling at you from above, and as Tom used to say, "offering you a cup of her bad coffee." (I'm sure it was quite the opposite. I remember you commenting on what a good cook she was.)
Bless you Del!
Your viewer friend,
Jessica Faulkner
Mansfield, Ohio
Dear Del,
Thanks for all the years of great TV. I will see you at Wal-Mart working as a 'Greeter' when all your retirement money runs out. After all, that is the 'American Way'!
Joe
Dear Dell,
I have been a loyal viewer of yours for years. I use to enjoy watching you and Tom on your morning show. I enjoyed watching how you admired Martha with the way you would praise her when you brought in her coffee and treats. I will miss your optimism and laughter. Enjoy your retirement and may you have many more happy years.
Chris Devorsky
Del,
I can't begin to tell you how much you will be missed. I have enjoyed seeing you every morning for years, you are like part of the family! I would love for channel 3 to rerun your mornings with Tom. We all wish you well!
Karen
Hi Del,
A chance meeting at Lehman's Hardware in Kidron on my way to Columbus a few years ago was a thrill for me after many years of enjoying your work in Cleveland television. You were taping a segment of "Del's Folks," and I recall your lovely wife and a few of your close friends were there with you. Everyone was having a good time. I had someone take our picture.
I wish for you good health and a happy retirement. You are a good guy.
Denny,
Canton, O.
del, i have so enjoyed you over the yesrs. much love and happiness to youin your future are assured. your a wonderful person and i know you will continue to do good works. miss you always, kim cross willoughby.
Dear Del,
You interviewed me when I was in third grade(1978)and I tried to look like Elvis as I describe a poster I had made with old fashioned cars on it.
Anyhow, it's a fun memory, thanks...
bill
As One Irishman to you, you have made my and my families life so much richer, with your outlook on life, truly ,the Irish spirit
A better man can not be around, so here is from me , so be easy and free, when your'e toasting with me and no matter the cost, I'll pay, you are a man ya don't meet every day
Slan Go foil...God Bless You my Friend and son of Eire
The Mark Heffernan Division
Ancient Order Hibernians
Akron, ohio
Del,
What a surprise, woke this morning to see you on the TV with the "egg lady, my great aunt Clela Kerr. I recorded it for my mom and grandmother on VHS becuase that is all we have. I was hoping that you had a copy that I could get for my mom and grandmother. Clela passed away back in 2006, and this would mean a lot to them to have a copy. I was told that my mom and grandmother have never got to see the clip. I know my family thought a lot of you and enjoyed other Del Folks. Good luck to you and thanks for making people feel good
Dan