Daniel S. Paletko | |
|---|---|
| Mayor ofDearborn Heights | |
| In office January 2004 – December 29, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Ruth Canfield |
| Succeeded by | Bill Bazzi |
| Member of theMichigan House of Representatives from the17th 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) |
| 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 ofDearborn Heights, Michigan, from 2004 to 2020.
Paletko was born on December 21, 1950.[1] Paletko graduated fromCrestwood High School.[2] Paletko earned a BA from theUniversity of Michigan-Dearborn, an MBA from theUniversity of Detroit, and an MST fromWayne State University.[1]
Paletko formerly worked as aCertified Public Accountant and a financial manager atFord Motor Company. Paletko first got involved with politics by attendingDearborn Heights city council meetings. Paletko served on the city council from 1974 to 2002.[3][4] On November 5, 2002, Paletko was elected to theMichigan House of Representatives where he represented the17th 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 theAmerican Legion. Paletko attended and ushered at St. LinusCatholic Church in Dearborn Heights.[4]
Paletko died in office from complications ofCOVID-19 on December 29, 2020, during theCOVID-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' firstMuslim mayor.[9] Paletko was interred atSt. 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 ofArbor Day, planted anAmerican 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]