what an innovator- solid pro and visionary when it came to the new power of social media - thanks for giving me my big Apple break tom

always grateful

Thank you Tom for taking a chance on a young video editor and giving me the opportunity to learn the craft.

I loved your newsletter TV spy and was glad you made such a difference. RIP my wonderful mentor.

We go back almost 40 years Tom! I will always remember our time together as part of the Channel 2 (WCBS) Newsbreakers! My thoughts are with your beautiful family. May your spirit always live within them.

I am so sorry. I am forever appreciative for the opportunity Tom gave me to come to Pittsburgh. I learned so much from him.

I remember how much he loved new technology and he was the first to install our live Action Cams on top of Mt Washington. He worked through all of the hurdles to make it happen and it's still a major part of our newscasts all these years later. I think of him every time we take that shot. The other stations scrambled to keep up with his breakthrough idea. I loved being a part of that.

I also remember the time he had a huge party at your home for our big ratings win. It was a blast. Among other fun things he hired a caricaturist and my mother still has the one of me hanging up at her home.

Thank you for sharing him with us. He certainly left his mark and I am grateful.

Michelle Wright

Dear Petner family,

Tom was only the second news director I served at WTAE. What impressed me from the start was his dedication to journalism. His belief that we all could be better in serving a higher standard. He continued that throughout his life as we followed his career.

But above all was his dedication to family. I can not imagine how devastating this has to be for you all.

My deepest sympathies.

Sally Wiggin

My condolences to the Petner family.

Tom hired me in Pittsburgh 23 years ago and saw something in me, pushed me to be my best during his stay here and left telling me I would continue to thrive,

He was right.

I thank him for giving me a chance and being that guiding force in my early career and teaching me the lessons I still use today.

He will be missed by all he touched

Tom was one of the really "good guys" in this TV news business and I'm a better broadcaster and journalist for having known him. He was full of both energy and patience...traits not always seen together.

A great professional who I and many, many others will miss.

RIP, Tom.

Mike Cavender

Executive Director Emeritus

Radio Television Digital News Association

He was a powerful creative force. He was a master of the visual, an artist, who could see what others could not. And his inherent spirit of discovery was always attached to a kindness and humor that touched everyone in his orbit.

I had the honor of serving with Tom for CBS, New York City in the trenches of the news wars , early '80s. To his credit Tom always took the direct approach. With him you always knew where you stood--without doubt. A strong developer of talent...especially in Pittsburgh, where many of the journalists he groomed continue doing very well.

His efforts to make people better made every place he worked--BETTER.

A fine leader and a fine man.

Please do enjoy the heavenly shortcake for which your loving daughter has arranged.

Goodbye Tom,

Bill LaPlante II

A great journalist, and an even better person. So proud to have known him.

Tom was a journalist's journalist, and a truly nice guy as well. More importantly, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather and my prayers are with his family. Thanks for sharing him with the business he loved for so many years.

Larry Price

The Associated Press

Tom was a gentle giant of the TV News Industry and in life. When I arrived at WXYZ in January of 1977, Tom had just recently left. My mentor Phil Nye, an ABC News legend had been Tom's boss and now he was mine. I always heard Tom Petner this and Tom Petner that. I received mail meant for him during the four years I spent at WXYZ. I never met or talked to Tom until sometime in the mid 1980s. I finally met the man and he was so smart and so gracious. It was then that I understood what Tom had meant to WXYZ and elsewhere along with everyone he touched. If I had a dollar for every time I was told in my early years that this was how Tom would do it, I would have a lot of dollars. Thanks for all you shared with me.

Rest In Peace Tom and may God Bless You.

Mort