Dearborn Heights Mayor Dies From Complications With Coronavirus

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko has died from complications related to the coronavirus, the city announced late Tuesday evening. He was 70.

"The City of Dearborn Heights is saddened to announce the sudden death late Tuesday of Mayor Dan Paletko from complications associated with COVID-19," the city wrote in a social media post. "More information will be posted as it becomes available."

Dearborn City Council President Susan Dabaja was among the first who spoke about Paletko's death on social media.

"I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko," Dabaja said in a tweet Tuesday evening. "He was a devoted public servant, and he will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the city of Dearborn Heights."

Paletko was appointed mayor in Dearborn Heights in 2004 after serving as a longtime member of the city council, according to a mayoral bio on the city's website. He had retired from Ford Motor Company, where he was a financial manager.

Paletko also was active in several community organizations, including the American Legion, Volunteers for Income Tax Assistance and ushers at St. Linus Church.

Paletko is survived by his two daughters, Marie and Ann.

In a statement about Paletko, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said he was "the quintessential collaborator.”

“This is just too much," she said. "Mayor Paletko was one of the first Wayne County Mayors to befriend me, to work with me, and to support me. The fact that the doors of Dearborn Heights were always open was a testament to his kindness, his openness, and his belief that we were one Wayne County and if Dearborn Heights benefitted, we all benefitted."

Dearborn Mayor John O'Reilly, who previously had his own bout with the coronavirus, said Paletko was a friend to the community and "championed collaborative efforts that better served residents in both Dearborn Heights and Dearborn."

"A longtime public servant, he will forever be part of the legacy of Dearborn Heights, and the region," O'Reilly said. "Our hearts especially go out to his family and friends at this difficult time."