Daniel S. Paletko

Daniel S. Paletko
Mayor of Dearborn Heights
In office January 2004 – December 29, 2020
Preceded by	Ruth Canfield
Succeeded by	Bill Bazzi
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 17th district
In office January 1, 2003 – 2004
Preceded by	Jim A. Plakas
Succeeded by	Andy Dillon
Personal details
Born	(1950-12-21)December 21, 1950
Died	December 29, 2020(2020-12-29) (aged 70) Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	University of Michigan-Dearborn University of Detroit Wayne State University

Daniel S. Paletko (December 21, 1950 – December 29, 2020) was an American politician who served as mayor of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, from 2004 to 2020.

Early life and education

Paletko was born on December 21, 1950.^[1] Paletko graduated from Crestwood High School.^[2] Paletko earned a BA from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, an MBA from the University of Detroit, and an MST from Wayne State University.^[1]

Career

Paletko formerly worked as a Certified Public Accountant and a financial manager at Ford Motor Company. Paletko first got involved with politics by attending Dearborn Heights city council meetings. Paletko served on the city council from 1974 to 2002.^[3][4] On November 5, 2002, Paletko was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives where he represented the 17th district from January 8, 2003, to 2004.^[1] In January 2004, Paletko was appointed as the mayor of Dearborn Heights after the retiring of former mayor Ruth Canfield, and Paletko resigned from the state house to take this position.^[3][5][6][7] At the time of his death, Paletko was the city's longest serving mayor.^[8]

Personal life

Paletko had two daughters. Paletko was a member of the American Legion. Paletko attended and ushered at St. Linus Catholic Church in Dearborn Heights.^[4]

Death and legacy

Paletko died in office from complications of COVID-19 on December 29, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan. He was 70 years old.^[3] The Dearborn Heights City Council President Denise Malinowski-Maxwell became interim mayor after Paletko's death. Paletko was succeeded by Bill Bazzi, Dearborn Heights' first Muslim mayor.^[9] Paletko was interred at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights on January 4, 2021.^[10]

On April 29, 2021, Dearborn Heights Mayor Bazzi, along with other city officials, in celebration of Arbor Day, planted an American Linden tree in memorial of Paletko. A plaque erected at the base of the tree is dedicated to Paletko and his tenure as mayor.^[8] Police Corporal Carrie Hatten, Fire Marshal Max Mitts and Firefighter Jammal Faraj organized a memorial golf outing for Paletko on June 18, 2021.^[2]

References

1. "Legislator Details - Daniel S. Paletko". Library of Michigan. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
2. "Memorial golf outing set for June in honor of late Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko". Dearborn Press and Guide. 29 April 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
3. "Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko dies of COVID-19". The Detroit News. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
4. "Office of the Mayor". Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
5. "Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko Engages with Residents". Telegram Newspaper. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
6. "Paini to Palmentieri". Political Graveyard. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
7. "Mayors to address public on the state of the community at annual chamber luncheon". The Arab American News. 17 December 2019. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
8. "Tree planted in honor of late Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko". Dearborn Press and Guide. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
9. "Bill Bazzi, Marine vet and Ford engineer, is Dearborn Heights' first Muslim mayor". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
10. "Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko laid to rest; remembered as a friend, leader and mentor". Dearborn Press and Guide. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.