The unexpected death of Methuen Mayor Neil Perry Saturday brought condolences from leaders even as the city took steps to ensure the current and future operation of city government.
Rumors of the 65-year-old mayor’s passing began circulating Saturday afternoon and were confirmed in a city hall statement around 7 p.m.
“Mayor Perry has fought many health battles over the last several years but came back from each of them with renewed vigor to tackle, in his own words, the greatest job he ever had: being the mayor of the great City of Methuen,” the statement read.
In February of 2023, Perry’s office reported the mayor “experienced some health issues” and was admitted to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. At the end of the following month, the mayor said in a video that he began working remotely as he recovers from what he called an “experience that happened” during a routine dialysis appointment,
“While we’re going through this—while I’m working remotely—even though my legs aren’t working, this city remains in good hands,” he said at the time.
In recent months, Perry kept resident abreast of developments regarding Holy Family Hospital as Steward Health Care entered bankruptcy; joined with other area mayors in urging voters to reject question five on November ballots that, opponents say, would reduce the take home pay of servers, bartenders and other tipped employees; and—as his office said Saturday—“his last, and perhaps greatest, achievement, was securing the city’s purchase of the Searles Estate from the Sisters of Presentation of Mary.” He is also remembered for turning around city finances upon taking office in 2020.
In a joint statement Saturday night, Gov. Maura T. Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said, “Mayor Perry was a wonderful and caring person, and a strong and courageous leader. He believed in and gave so much to his community. He will be deeply missed.”
Congresswoman Lori Trahan said, in part, Perry “lived and breathed Methuen. Everyone in the Commonwealth knew that no matter the situation, Neil never backed down from a fight if it was in the best interest of hardworking families in Methuen.”
A separate statement from City Hall later Saturday night confirmed At-Large City Councilor David P. “D.J.” Beauregard would again serve as acting mayor until a special election can take place within 60 days as required by the city charter. Beauregard also filled in during Perry’s last health-related absence.