Flags Ordered to Half-Staff after Death of Former Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki
Governor Matt Meyer has ordered all flags at state buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff to honor the life and service of former Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki, who died Tuesday. To recognize former Mayor Purzycki’s career of service to the State of Delaware, Governor Meyer orders flags at all state-owned buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday, May 22, 2026.
U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the passing of former Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki:
“Annie and I were blessed to know Mike for decades and we will greatly miss him. Mike was warm, kind, passionate, loved his family, and was devoted to his faith. He was a visionary, leading the reimagining and rebuilding of the Riverfront, and he was a capable and compassionate person.
“We were grateful for his service as our mayor, and we pray for Bette and his family.”
In response to the news of former Wilmington Mayor Michael S. Purzycki’s passing, Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown, House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris, and House Majority Whip Ed Osienski issued the following statement on behalf of the House Majority Caucus:
“The City of Wilmington would not be what it is now without Mike Purzycki’s decades of dedication to making it safer, fairer, and more accessible.
“There are many Delawareans who have no idea how much the Wilmington Riverfront has changed over the years, because it’s hard to imagine that the popular area full of entertainment, restaurants, and beautiful views was an industrial wasteland not so long ago. Mike Purzycki helped make that happen in his role in the Riverfront Development Corporation. And when he became Mayor of Wilmington, he continued to transform the city so that Wilmingtonians could thrive in a place where they were proud to live.
“In his first year in office, he helped to launch Wilmington’s annual HBCU Week and College Fair, giving thousands of young people the opportunity to learn more about their options, and compete for on-the-spot college acceptances and scholarship awards. His legacy in that work is honored through the $10,000 Michael S. Purzycki Changemaker Scholarship offered by the HBCU Week Foundation.
“To be a leader is to make sacrifices, and that’s often all that people see. But Mike’s work on the East Side of Wilmington to increase affordable housing options alongside the Woodlawn Trustees, Habitat for Humanity, the WRK Group, and other community partners earned him the admiration of many who were able to restart thanks to his impact.
“Mike loved to build. We see that not just through the many landmarks that we can now look to and remember him, but the community, as well. His work brought people together, and in a city where community has always been the key to success, that was very important.
“Former New Castle County Councilman and Mayor of Wilmington Michael S. Purzycki left an indelible mark on the entire state, and we will never forget that. Our thoughts are with his wife, Bette, and his entire family during this time.”
As members of the Senate’s City of Wilmington delegation, Senator Dan Cruce, Senator Darius Brown and Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman issued the following statement Tuesday morning:
“Fewer people have had a more profound and enduring impact on the City of Wilmington than Mike Purzycki.
Long before his tenure as mayor, Mike had a vision for our city that few could see. Under his leadership at the Riverfront Development Corporation, the long-forgotten marshes along the Christina River were transformed into a vibrant hotspot that has since attracted businesses, young professionals, and athletic teams who now call our riverfront “home.”
Everyone who worked with Mike understood that he wouldn’t shy away from the toughest challenges facing the city, but that he would work to build consensus and partner with anyone who was interested in solving problems.
Mayor Purzycki’s legacy is undeniable and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with Bette and his family during this time.”
U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) released the following statement on the passing of former Wilmington Mayor Michael “Mike” Purzycki:
“Mayor Mike Purzycki was a deeply dedicated public servant who spent years of his life strengthening the City of Wilmington and our state of neighbors.
“I have known Mike for my entire life. Like so many, I routinely relied on Mike for honest advice and guidance. He wouldn’t always tell you what you wanted to hear, but he’d always do it with his infectious smile. His determined leadership — both confident and compassionate, wise and humble — inspired so many to help him realize his vision of a more vibrant Wilmington.
“He was a man who excelled at everything he set his mind to — whether it was playing football at the University of Delaware, going pro with the New York Giants, serving as a New Castle County councilman, helping lead Wilmington’s economic revitalization through the Riverfront Development Corporation, or serving as Mayor. One thing was always clear: Mike could do it all, and he did it all with Wilmington in his heart.
“Mike’s impact will continue to be felt in every neighborhood, from the Eastside to the Highlands to the Riverfront. My prayers are with his wife, Bette, their children, and everyone who knew him. Losing a loved one — especially someone so beloved by so many — is profoundly difficult. May the light of Mike’s life and legacy continue to guide us as we continue to build stronger communities in the city and state he loved.”