Mike Purzycki

Michael S. Purzycki (1945 – May 19, 2026) was an American businessman and politician who served as the 56th mayor of Wilmington, Delaware, from 2017 to 2025. He previously served as the executive director of the Riverfront Development Corporation and briefly played in the National Football League for the New York Giants in the 1967–1968 season.

Early life and education Purzycki was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1945. He graduated from Seton Hall Preparatory School in 1963 and received a football scholarship to the University of Delaware. While at the university, he played football for four years and set every Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football receiving record. Purzycki graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in history. After college, he signed a contract to play for the New York Giants in the National Football League for the 1967–1968 season; however, his football career was cut short by injury.

In 1968, Purzycki moved to Delaware. He worked in real estate and attended Delaware Law School at night. He graduated from law school and was admitted to the Delaware bar. He served as an attorney for the Delaware Senate and continued to practice law for more than a decade. Purzycki won the general election on November 8, 2016 with 82% of the vote, defeating Republican real estate professional Robert Martin and Independent Democrat teacher Steven Washington. Purzycki was inaugurated as Mayor on January 3, 2017. He was re-elected in 2020.

Personal life and death Purzycki lived in the Highlands neighborhood of Wilmington. He married Bette Richitelli in 1984. They have three children together: Gage, Adriane, and Mick. Gage lives at home in Wilmington while Adriane and Mick live in New York City.