Daniel S. Paletko

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

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]