Daniel_S._Paletko
Daniel S. Paletko
American politician (1950–2020)
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.
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 |
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]
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]
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]
- "Legislator Details - Daniel S. Paletko". Library of Michigan. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- "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.
- "Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko dies of COVID-19". The Detroit News. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
- "Office of the Mayor". Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- "Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko Engages with Residents". Telegram Newspaper. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- "Paini to Palmentieri". Political Graveyard. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- "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.
- "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.
- "Bill Bazzi, Marine vet and Ford engineer, is Dearborn Heights' first Muslim mayor". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
- "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.