The mayor of Methuen, Massachusetts, died Saturday, his office announced with great sadness.
Neil Perry was elected mayor in 2019 and was sworn-in to office in January 2020.
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"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 from the mayor's office read.
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"His last, and perhaps greatest, achievement, was securing the City's purchase of the Searles Estate from the Sisters of Presentation of Mary, saving the City's most iconic and historic property from an uncertain future."
There was no immediate cause of death shared by city officials. The Eagle Tribune said the 65-year-old had been battling kidney disease.
Some local politicians were reacting to the news Saturday night, including Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll who issued a statement extending their deepest condolences to Perry's family and friends, as well as the Methuen community.
"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," Healey and Driscoll said, adding that their administration is prepared to support the City of Methuen during this difficult time.
Sen. Ed Markey said he was also grieving the loss of Perry, as did Rep. Lori Trahan.
"He loved Methuen deeply and was a steadfast advocate for the city and its families," Markey wrote on social media. "I am grateful for his service and partnership. My thoughts are with his loved ones and the people of Methuen."
"I’m heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mayor Neil Perry," Trahan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "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."
According to a joint statement from the mayor's office and Methuen City Council, At-Large City Councilor D.J. Beauregard will serve as acting mayor until a special election can be held in the next 60 days, and they all remain dedicated in their efforts to maintain the smooth operations of the City government.
Beauregard called Perry's death a tragic loss and said the mayor left behind of legacy of leadership that has moved Methuen into a new era.
"Mayor Perry wasn’t just a close ally and mentor -- he was my friend," Beauregard continued. "I grieve for the loss our community faces, and I am saddened by the sudden loss of my dear friend...I ask each of us to keep the Perry family in our thoughts and prayers."
Beauregard said as acting mayor he will use the lessons he learned from Perry to keep the city moving forward over the next 60 days until the special election can be held to select a permanent successor.
Further details will be announced in the coming days, the mayor's office added, asking people to join them in expressing their condolences to Mayor Perry's family at this difficult time.
