Methuen Mayor Neil Perry died Saturday after a long battle with health problems, according to his office.
“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,” his office wrote in a Saturday evening statement.
“His last, and perhaps greatest, achievement, was securing the City’s purchase of the Searles Estate from the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, saving the City’s most iconic and historic property from an uncertain future,” the statement continued.
The brief statement did not have more details, but welcomed the public to “join us in expressing our condolences to Mayor Perry’s family at this difficult time.” It was an invitation some state and local officials met quickly after the announcement.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mayor Neil Perry and the Methuen community,” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Lieutenant Gov. Kim Driscoll wrote in a joint statement. “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. Our administration is prepared to support the City of Methuen during this difficult time.”
Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger wrote in his own statement that “Mayor Perry was a great friend and a dedicated civil servant who loved his city, its residents, and the honor of being mayor. He leaves a legacy of dedication, service, and fervor for everything Methuen. We pray for his peace and for the comfort of his family. We stand in sorrow and in support of the good people of Methuen.”
