OCEAN CITY – Roy Gillian, 94, of Ocean City, N.J., passed away Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 at his home.
The loving husband of Patricia Gillian, he was a former mayor of Ocean City, N.J., and founder of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in Ocean City, N.J.
He grew up in Havertown, Pa., graduating from Haverford High School in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53.
In 1957, he and his brother Bob took over the Fun Deck amusement park, founded by their father, David Gillian, in 1930. Roy left the family business to found Wonderland Pier in 1965 at Sixth Street and the Boardwalk. He also founded Gillian’s Island and Adventure Golf.
He was an Ocean City commissioner from 1963-67, Cape May County Freeholder from 1971-76, Commissioner of Cape May County Municipal Utilities from 1982-86 and mayor of Ocean City from 1986-90. He was a member of the New Jersey Amusement Ride Safety Board.
A skilled pianist who loved to entertain with his piano playing through his adult life, he was the orchestra leader of Roy Gillian & His Orchestra from 1947-51. He was a past chairman of the board and director of Ocean City Home Bank for 34 years, past president and board member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions with membership in 90 countries around the world, and past president and director of the New Jersey Amusement Association. He was the past president of Shore Medical Center and past president of the Jersey Cape Diagnostic & Training Center.
In addition to his wife of 39 years he was the caring father of Steven Gillian and Jay Gillian (Michele); father-in-law of Betsy Belleville Gillian; stepfather of Tammy Essington Defelice (Chet), Michael Essington (DeeDee); grandfather of 12; great-grandfather of 9; and his devoted caregiver, Josh Rogasky. He was predeceased by sons John Gillian and James Gillian.
His visitation will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., Ocean City, N.J. from noon until 2 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 1:45 p.m. followed by a Christian Service at 2 p.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Seaside Cemetery, Palermo, N.J.
Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Shore Medical Center, 100 Medical Center Way, Somers Point, NJ 08244.
Arrangements are by The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City. For condolences to the family, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com
