NEWBURYPORT, MASS. (WHDH) - Officials confirmed the pilot killed in a small plane crash in Methuen Tuesday was Al Lavender, a former mayor of Newburyport.
Lavender served as mayor of Newburyport from 2002 to 2003 and also served on the city council for eight years. Neighbors said Lavender loved to fly and built his experimental aircraft himself in his front yard. He later completed it in Lawrence.
“He was so thrilled putting it together,” said former council member Erford Fowler.
Neighbors said Lavender was caring and friendly. Denise Wallace said he recently spoke to her and her husband about wanting to have a block party in the spring to welcome new neighbors.
Lavender is survived by his wife and three children. Current Newburyport Mayor Donna Holaday said he was devoted to his family.
“Al really was all about family. He and Betty, his wife, my heart goes out to her and their kids. They could be seen everywhere together, attending all kinds of events throughout our community,” said Holaday.
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