Former Channel 3 personality passes away

One of the most popular personalities here at Channel 3 passed away Tuesday morning.

Tom Haley succumbed after a bout with the flu which developed into pneumonia.

A pioneer in the broadcasting business starting his radio career in the early 40's, 88-year-old Haley appears to be most well-known for the time he co-anchored "Today in Cleveland" with another Channel 3 icon, Del Donahoo.

"Today in Cleveland" aired from 1981 to 1998. A wonderful way to wake up each morning in Cleveland--to fun, laughter, entertainment, humor, news of the day, weather, movie reviews, Tom's bad jokes, Martha's coffee, Tom & Del squabbling, Hank the Rooster, 'The Haley Shuffle,' and then Haley ringing the big bell to make sure everyone was awake!

It was a sad day when that show went off the air. We continued getting calls and emails for months and months! Tom and Del were kind enough to give me their cow step stool as a priceless memory. Their huge following consisted of a dedicated fan base who pledged their allegiance to not only to "Today in Cleveland" but to Channel 3.

I'm awfully lucky to have had the experience to work with both Tom and Del (still see Del in the office during the week).

Haley, at times, could appear quite intimidating. But, once you got to know him, he was a pussycat underneath his gruff exterior.

A true broadcasting legend, the likes of which they do not make anymore. They broke the mold!

Tom gave great advice, mostly by example exhibited in his many talents and versatility in this business (from writing, producing, on air, interviewing, voice overs, radio, television, hosting...).

Haley received the high honor of being inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle in 1991.

It's quite telling that Mr. Haley would pass on one of his favorite days of the year. A proud Irishman, he and Del would participate in the Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade every single year greeting their many fans with pride exuding from Tom's eyes for his heritage, his family, and at the time, his station.

Haley had 7 daughters, 9 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have not been released yet.