City of Livonia, MI
12/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/22/2025 11:25
In Memoriam
As we commemorate the City of Livonia's 75th anniversary, we also pause with heavy hearts to remember and honor three incredible community volunteers we recently lost: Sue Daniel, Bill Fried, and Jerry Valentine.
Together, Sue, Bill, and Jerry gave an extraordinary 99 years of dedicated service to our community - supporting our city with passion, kindness, and unwavering commitment. Their contributions helped shape Livonia into the community we are proud to call home, and their impact will be felt for generations to come.
Please take a moment to honor their memories and learn more about their remarkable lives.
Rest in peace, Sue, Bill, and Jerry - and thank you for your selfless service to Livonia. You will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Sue Daniel
Sue was appointed to the Livonia Historical Commission in 1974 and Livonia Historic Preservation Commission in 1978, serving on both commissions until 2016. She was also a member of the Livonia Historical Society and Its Board, and was awarded the society's Outstanding Member of the Year award in 1982.
Her dedication helped preserve and celebrate the history of our community. She will be profoundly missed, but her legacy will live on in every corner of Greenmead.
Donations in memory of Sue may be made to the Livonia Historical Society field trip program, helping inspire the next generation to discover our shared history.
Bill Fried
Bill's service to the City of Livonia spanned more than four decades and reflected a lifetime commitment to public service. He was appointed to the Municipal Building Authority in 1977, where he faithfully served until 2020. In 2008, he was also appointed to the Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, continuing his work on behalf of the community until 2021.
Beyond his formal appointments, Bill was a tireless and passionate volunteer. He was deeply involved in numerous community organizations, including the Burton Hollow Swim Club, the Spree Committee, Hearts of Livonia, the Livonia Symphony, Rotary, and the Livonia Community Foundation. Rarely an evening went by without Bill attending a meeting or community event - often five nights a week - not out of obligation, but out of genuine joy. He cherished the friendships he built through his service and took great pride in giving back to the community he loved.
Jerry Valentine
Jerry was appointed to the Livonia Arts Commission in 2012 and remained an active and dedicated member, generously sharing his time, talent, and passion for the arts.
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Jerry served our nation for eight years before beginning a long and successful career at Pilot Industries in the tool and die trade. Following his retirement, he embraced a new chapter as an artist, channeling his creativity into both his personal work and service to the community. He was an active member of several art clubs, continued his involvement with the Livonia Arts Commission, and was recently inducted into the City of Livonia's Hall of Fame - a well-deserved recognition of his lasting impact.
Jerry's life reflected a deep commitment to service, creativity, and community, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.
City of Livonia, MI published this content on December 22, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on December 22, 2025 at 17:26 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]