Perry lived – & led – with passion, Moxie

 

I can easily compile a list of several dozen ways I’d be spending a cool, sunny Sunday in late-September.

Staring at an ancient Dell computer monitor trying to assemble sentences worthy of our just-passed mayor wouldn’t make the list. Less than 24 hours ago, Methuen Mayor Neil Perry died of a heart attack during a dialysis treatment to deal with kidney failure.

Despite his poor physical health these past few years, Perry’s death still caught us by surprise. Mainly because a good many of us just figured if Neil could whoop Covid, skin cancer, a coma, and dialysis treatments every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday … then he wouldn’t lose to anything.

Besides, he was our mayor and mayors don’t die in office. Especially good ones. Yet here we are reflecting on his two and a half terms in office, as his friend and City Councilor D.J. Beauregard prepares to walk into City Hall on Monday morning as acting mayor.

Over the course of Mayor Perry’s almost five years in office, I met with him at City Hall a handful of times. Sometimes these were scheduled meetings and other times, these were the equivalent of unannounced pop quizzes with the mayor’s answers published in the next issue of MethuenLife.

Either way, I managed to fill my trusty reporter’s notebook with page after page of the mayor’s enthusiastic plans to further better his hometown.

In a foot race, the mayor’s excitement for a project would often pass logistics in Turn 1, then wait for it to catch up at the finish line. For instance, he spoke more than once about offsetting the cost of City Hall’s sizable window-replacement price tag with a memorial theme where residents could “purchase” a window in honor of a loved one. Neil was first in line with plans to buy an office window and plaque in honor of his mom who graduated from Searles High School.

I don’t believe that program has taken hold (yet) but I know he’d like to have the sills adorned with plaques honoring former Methuenites.

During one of our early MethuenLife-Mayor Perry summits, we learned that we both enjoyed a cold Moxie whenever possible. I arrived at every ensuing meeting with a pair of cold Moxies in my pockets. We’d swig and he’d chatter and I’d scribble notes. Rinse. Repeat.

I’ve come to the following conclusions about the late Mayor Neil Perry:

• He would take a bullet for Methuen without blinking.
• If not for term limits, he would have been proud to serve as mayor a half-dozen more times.
• He didn’t need the job and even reduced his salary; before being elected mayor, he did very well financially at Raytheon. The mayor could have retired and lived comfortably without the stress of running a city of 53,000 residents.
• Only someone with confidence to burn and a wicked sense of humor could get away with wearing plaid clothing in 2024.

Councilor and Acting Mayor D.J. Beauregard worked with Mayor Perry and arrived at the same observations.
“The thing that was special about Neil was he wasn’t a politician. He was a good human and we need more people like him,” said Beauregard. “He left an amazing legacy. I want to do right by the people of Methuen and make him proud.
“He didn’t need the job, but he was so damn passionate about his hometown – he loved Methuen with every fiber of his being. Every decision had the best interests of Methuen residents in the forefront of his mind. He loved Methuen so much and gave the people his all.”
A special election must be held within 60 days to elect a new permanent mayor. Based on the previous City Council’s action, a plan was established that in the event of a mayor’s death or inability to perform his duties, an acting mayor shall step in until the special election.
As of press time, the Methuen City Council had not yet held a special emergency meeting to discuss procedures related to the mayor’s death.
I’m headed to the closest store that carries Moxie. Let’s pour one out for our late, devoted mayor.
Rest easy, Neil Perry.

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AN OUTPOURING OF GRATITUDE

 

  Though Mayor Perry had been public about his serious health challenges, his sudden death Sept. 21 at age 66 stunned and saddened many. Here’s a sample of reactions shared by officials and community members on social media:
*Acting Mayor DJ Beauregard: “Our community is facing a tragic loss tonight with the passing of Mayor Perry. He has left behind a 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. I grieve for the loss our community faces, and I am saddened by the sudden loss of my dear friend. As Acting Mayor, I will use the lessons I learned from him to keep our city moving forward over the next 60 days until a special election to select a permanent successor is held. I ask each of us to keep the Perry family in our thoughts and prayers.”
*Mass. Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, in a statement: “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mayor Neil Perry and 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. Our administration is prepared to support the City of Methuen during this difficult time.”
*State Sen. Pavel Payano: “Just yesterday, Mayor Neil Perry and I were just talking about his love for his dogs, his children, and his vision to keep improving Methuen. The passion he demonstrated for Methuen and his family was evident in every conversation. It’s heartbreaking to lose such a dedicated leader and friend. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Methuen has lost a true advocate, but his legacy will continue to inspire us …”
*Chief of Staff Tina Conway: “I had a front row seat to a skilled leader who genuinely got the most out of everyone he led. I was in awe of his command of a room, of his ability to quickly comprehend whatever topic was being discussed, and his ability to cut to the heart of every issue almost instantaneously. His leadership was inspiring. Working for someone who always, always does what he thinks is right for his community isn’t even work, it’s a labor of love. Methuen has lost its greatest advocate tonight. I will miss his wisdom and his counsel, his sense of humor and his kindness.”
*Former City Council Chair Eunice Zeigler: “This evening, the City Of Methuen lost a giant. Mayor Neil Perry gave his all to the city. He was kind, thoughtful and courageous. I am grateful to have served with him and known him as a friend …”
*Police Chief McNamara, from a message to MPD: “(Perry) envisioned a brighter future and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. People like him, driven by purpose, leave lasting impacts that ripple through generations. His legacy will be no different.”
*The Irish Cottage: “Neil Perry was not just a Mayor to the great City of Methuen, he was also a family member and friend to all. He knew our staff by name, recognized their hard work and always complimented them. He will be truly missed as a family member, friend, and Mayor …”

*City Council Chairman Joel Faretra: “The City of Methuen has lost a great leader but we have lost a better man. One of the best things that came out of this stint on the council was the friendship that Neil Perry and I forged while both trying to move this city forward. We didn’t see eye to eye on every issue. We were more than Mayor/Chair, we became friends and I am going to miss those meetings and phone calls …”
*West District City Councilor Allison Saffie: “I’m genuinely heartbroken by this news. Neil was not only a great Mayor, he was a great friend. He was one of the first people I told about being pregnant last year. He was over the moon. He spoke about family and how it is the world’s most cherished and important thing. Neil was one of the kindest and caring people I know. I’m so thankful I got to work with you for the past few years and even more grateful for your friendship. I have so much love for you! …”
*State Rep. Ryan Hamilton, who previously worked in Mayor Perry’s office, posted in part: “I am Lucky to call him a friend. Neil loved Methuen, and I believe every decision he made as Mayor was in his mind for the betterment of Methuen. Fortunately, his steady hand guided the City through the COVID-19. … I can say with certainty that he left the City of Methuen in a better place than he found it.’”

*The Essex County Sheriff’s Department shared, “… Sheriff Coppinger called Mayor Perry ‘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.’ ”

*Community volunteer Christina St. Onge: “Neil Perry, the first time I met you back in 2019, I was completely humbled to look down and see that you were wearing an Ashley St. Onge FLY5K bracelet, not even knowing that I was her mom. When I introduced myself, You immediately teared up, gave me a hug, and said you never take it off. Right then and there, we became fast friends. You have been a leader, supporter, and friend to so many and our city was under the best leadership with you at the helm. Even when not 100%, you still made your best effort to attend as many events as you possibly could! Your love for your family was so evident, never did you forget a birthday post! … Fly high my friend, You will be forever missed …”
*Jane Bogle: “… I’ve known Neil since his earliest employment in Methuen as a dedicated, up-beat, educator with a wonderful sense of humor and have watched him as mayor triumph with securing our historic Searles property. Well done, Neil. Rest in peace.”

*Mass. Sen. Ed Markey: “I’m grieving the loss of Mayor Perry. 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.”