The City of Methuen held a public memorial service this weekend to honor the life and legacy of the late Mayor Neil Perry, who died last weekend following health challenges.
A mass was planned for 1 p.m. at St. Monica Parish in Methuen, to be followed by the public service at the Methuen Music Hall from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey was among those at the packed service Sunday, afterwards telling NBC10 Boston, "Mayor Neil Perry was a wonderful man, he did so much for the City of Methuen and a lot for the state."
"He is an example of the kind of leadership we need in government -- someone who cares a lot for his community, gives it his all, shows up with his heart, rolls up his sleeves," the governor added. "On behalf of Lt. Gov. Driscoll and myself, we're going to continue to work with the good people of Methuen and see through what Mayor Perry wanted to see happen for this great city."
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There were many others who showed up at the music hall for Perry's service, something Healey said reflects what a great leader was in the city.
"Behind every person is a story, something that Mayor Perry did for that person, that family, and it just speaks to how many lives he touched and how endeared he was to this community," Healey said. "As a leader that's probably the greatest thing that could be said about you, that you have people turn out like that because what you did meant something to them."
Methuen City Hall will be closed Monday in honor of Perry's dedicated service and lasting impact on the community, giving city employees and residents the chance to mourn his loss and reflect on his many contributions to the city.
Perry, who was elected in 2019 and took office in 2020, is being remembered for his leadership and commitment to the people of Methuen -- a city that he lived in his entire life. He is also being credited with turning things around for the city government following a tumultuous period of time.
"[He] brought a new level of integrity to the office of mayor and again poured his heart and soul into this community," State Auditor and Methuen native Diana DiZoglio said on Sunday.
Acting Mayor D.J. Beauregard has proclaimed September 30 as Random Acts of Kindness Day in Methuen in memory of Mayor Neil Perry. Share a story or photo of some Random Acts of Kindness & we'll share it on our social media. Submit stories/pictures to jnormandia@ci.methuen.ma.us pic.twitter.com/oX46CVoLRa
— City of Methuen (@cityofmethuen) September 24, 2024
In the wake of his death, At-Large City Councilmember D.J. Beauregard was named acting mayor, and took his oath of office on Monday.
“Mayor Perry was more than a leader, he was a beloved figure in our city. His vision and passion for improving the lives of our residents will never be forgotten,” said Beauregard. “We ask that everyone join us in remembering his life and service.”
City Council Chair Joel Faretra was emotional on Sunday as he processed the death of not only a colleague, but a close friend.
"It was crushing — I’ve just been numb," Faretra said. "He made so many connections and friendships with people who had issues throughout the community."
The city is calling his "last, and perhaps greatest" achievement the securing of the city's purchase of the Searles Estate. The estate is a historic landmark that faced an uncertain future before the city stepped in.
Faretra said that he and other councilors plan to complete the unfinished work that Perry left behind.
Today, Acting Mayor D.J. Beauregard took the oath of office with his wife Hillary and daughter Audrey by his side. He stated, “Mayor Perry truly loved serving his hometown. I’m thinking about his remarkable legacy and pledge to continue the work of moving Methuen forward.” pic.twitter.com/Qr7vv0GN74
— City of Methuen (@cityofmethuen) September 23, 2024
"It's just sad he wont be able to see that come to fruition," Faretra said, speaking on the Searles Estate purchase. "A lot of us are just going to focus on these last 17 months and make sure what he wanted to finish, we’ll make sure it gets across that finish line."
Other items Faretra said were priorities for Perry included the alleged corruption at the city's police department and Methuen's upcoming 300th anniversary.
An official cause of death has not been announced, but Perry was reportedly battling kidney disease.
Acting Mayor Beauregard has proclaimed Sept. 30 as Random Acts of Kindness Day in memory of Perry.
"Mayor Perry’s leadership and commitment to the residents of Methuen was deeply rooted in his passion and love for the city. He was a tireless advocate for community development, public safety, and civic engagement, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, compassion and progress," the city said in a statement last week.
While City Hall will be closed Monday, essential services such as emergency response and public safety will remain operational. The high school and all grammar schools will continue to hold classes as normal. In addition, trash and recycling services will not be disrupted and will remain as scheduled for the week of September 30th.
Regular business hours at City Hall will resume on Tuesday, Oct.1.
