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Daniel S. Paletko

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Daniel S. Paletko
Mayor of Dearborn Heights
In office
January 2004 – December 29, 2020
Preceded byRuth Canfield
Succeeded byBill Bazzi
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 17th district
In office
January 1, 2003 – 2004
Preceded byJim A. Plakas
Succeeded byAndy Dillon
Personal details
Born(1950-12-21)December 21, 1950
DiedDecember 29, 2020(2020-12-29) (aged 70)
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Political partyDemocratic
Alma materUniversity 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. ^ a b c "Legislator Details - Daniel S. Paletko". Library of Michigan. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  2. ^ a b "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. ^ a b c "Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko dies of COVID-19". The Detroit News. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  4. ^ a b "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. ^ a b "Tree planted in honor of late Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko". Dearborn Press and Guide. 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. Retrieved March 24, 2021.


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