Delaware Flags Lowered to Honor Former Mayor

Governor Matt Meyer on Wednesday ordered Delaware flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of former Mike Purzycki, who died Tuesday following decades of public service and leadership in Wilmington and across the state.

Under the governor’s order, flags at all state-owned buildings and facilities will remain at half-staff until sunset Friday, May 22.

Purzycki served two terms as mayor of Wilmington from 2017 to 2025 and was widely recognized for his role in transforming the city’s riverfront district into a major economic and recreational destination. Before becoming mayor, he served as executive director of the Riverfront Development Corporation, where he helped lead the redevelopment of former industrial land along the Christina River into what is now the Wilmington Riverfront.

He also served on New Castle County Council and remained an influential figure in Delaware politics and economic development for more than three decades.

“Mike Purzycki was a tremendous leader and Delawarean,” Governor Meyer said in a statement. “He served our state in numerous ways – on New Castle County Council, as executive director of the Riverfront Development Corporation transforming the Wilmington Riverfront, and as mayor of Wilmington for two terms. Mike’s legacy will be long felt and our thoughts are with Bette and the Purzycki family.”

Former Governor John Carney, who now serves as Wilmington’s mayor, also reflected on Purzycki’s impact on Wilmington and the state, calling him a dedicated public servant whose work reshaped Delaware’s largest city.

“Mike loved Wilmington and devoted much of his life to making it stronger and more vibrant,” Carney said. “From the revitalization of the Riverfront to his years as mayor, his leadership changed the trajectory of the city and improved the lives of countless Delawareans.”

During his tenure as mayor, Purzycki focused heavily on economic development, neighborhood investment, public safety initiatives, and downtown revitalization efforts. Supporters frequently credited him with helping attract new businesses, housing, restaurants, and entertainment venues to Wilmington while expanding the city’s visibility throughout the region.

His work on the Wilmington Riverfront is considered one of the largest urban redevelopment successes in Delaware history. Under his leadership at the Riverfront Development Corporation, the once-industrial corridor evolved into a destination featuring parks, offices, apartments, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Purzycki is survived by his wife, Bette, and family members. A public visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. May 27 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in the Governor’s Hall, according to Joe Yasik, funeral director with Chandler Funeral Home.

A public Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for noon May 28 at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington. Burial will be private.