FAREWELL, MAYOR PERRY The funeral for Mayor Neil Perry, held at St. Monica’s Church, was live-streamed by Methuen Community Studios. View it by going to youtube.com and searching “Funeral Service for Neil P. Perry.”

Hearts across Methuen were heavy as the city said goodbye to Mayor Neil Perry who died Sept. 21.

Perry, 66, faced numerous health challenges in recent years and was in his third and final term as mayor. He was a visible and accessible mayor, as comfortable handing out Halloween candy and fishing derby awards as he was debating City Council issues and calling on state officials for answers. Many residents personally connected with Perry, who guided the city through the COVID pandemic, took live questions during his “Mayor’s Minutes” cable TV show and railed against litter bugs.

Upon taking office, he worked to restore public trust in local government following several high-profile controversies including the Methuen Superior Police Officers Union contract.

For Perry’s wake, bright-red fire trucks lined Broadway in front of the Methuen Memorial Music Hall – a fitting venue for a man long enamored by, and invested in, the city’s history. Dozens of city employees were unified in a Walk of Honor that started at the American Legion and flowed down Broadway and into the Music Hall. Other mourners included everyone from longtime friends, local businesspeople and senior citizens to state lawmakers, including Gov. Maura Healey.

The funeral Mass, held at St. Monica Church, included poignant and emotional eulogies by several of Perry’s children as well as words from Public Health Nurse Karen Ferullo on behalf of city employees.

Perry was buried at Elmwood Cemetery, where the music included bagpipes as well as Irish flute-playing and songs. Family, friends and many city employees each placed a flower on Perry’s casket as a final goodbye.