As we have noted, the late Andy Rooney has a number of descendants working in TV news. One of those is his grandson, Fox News producer Justin Fishel.

Fishel wrote a “farewell” to his grandfather on Foxnews.com, recounting some of his more memorable stories:

When I graduated from college he harassed me about work.  He didn’t have much pity for the unemployed.  He wanted to know what I was doing, like any curious grandfather.  Well, I was living at home with my parents.  So he took it upon himself to call at 5:30 am… every morning.  He prided himself on being up early.  I’d answer the phone next to my bed.

“Hello?” I’d say.

“Jud- you find work yet?”  (He called me Jud)

“Grandpa?” I’d answer, in a half conscious stupor.

“Call me back when you find work,” he’d say.

Then I’d get the obligatory Rooney dial tone that preceded any formalities such as a “goodbye,” or “talk to you later.”

Read the full essay here.