Former Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki dies at 80

WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) -- The state of Delaware is mourning the death of former Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki.

Purzycki was born in 1945 in Newark, New Jersey. He was a standout football player at the University of Delaware before going on to become a real estate developer, attorney and politician.

As a two-term mayor, Purzycki worked to reform downtown Wilmington and is credited with reshaping the riverfront from what had been an industrial wasteland into a vibrant destination.

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer reflected on Purzycki's impact, saying he left a lasting legacy in the state.

"He served with integrity, he put his head down, he got real things done in neighborhoods across this city," Meyer said.

Purzycki was 80 years old.