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Methuen Mayor Neil Perry dies after health battles, office announces

By
Riley Rourke
Digital Producer, CBS Boston
Riley Rourke is a digital producer for CBS Boston. She has worked at WBZ-TV since graduating from Emerson College in 2023.
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Riley Rourke

/ CBS Boston

METHUEN - Methuen Mayor Neil Perry passed away on Saturday. The city's announcement did not give an official cause of death.

He was 65 years old, according to the .

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Neil Perry in 2021. He served as mayor for four years. Methuen Mayor Neil Perry

"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 said in a statement.

In a , Perry announced that he would be returning to work remotely after being admitted to a rehab hospital after an "experience that happened to me during a routine dialysis appointment."

His office said his last and "perhaps greatest" achievement as mayor was the city's purchase of the historic Searles Estate. Perry was a native of Methuen and first became mayor in January 2020. 

At-large city councilor D.J. Beauregard will be acting mayor until a special election can be held in the next two months. More information will be available in the coming days, the mayor's office said.

"Wonderful and caring person"

"We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mayor Neil Perry and the Methuen community," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a 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." 

"He loved Methuen deeply and was a steadfast advocate for the city and its families. I am grateful for his service and partnership. My thoughts are with his loved ones and the people of Methuen," said Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey.

Massachusetts Rep. Lori Trahan released a statement saying in part, "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. We will sorely miss his leadership, his determination, and his resilience, and my heart goes out to his family and friends mourning this tremendous loss."

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