By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Roy Gillian, a former Ocean City mayor and founder of the iconic Gillian’s Wonderland Pier on the Boardwalk, died at home Saturday at the age of 94.
His political career included serving as an Ocean City commissioner from 1963 to 1967, Cape May County freeholder from 1971 to 1976, a commissioner with the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority from 1982 to 1986 and Ocean City mayor from 1986 to 1990, according to his obituary.
He was the father of current Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian.
Roy Gillian’s legacy in Ocean City included founding Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, the landmark Boardwalk amusement park. 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 start Wonderland Pier in 1965 at Sixth Street and the Boardwalk. He also founded Gillian’s Island and Adventure Golf, according to his obituary.
Jay Gillian, the third generation of Gillians to operate the family amusement business, announced on Aug. 9 that Wonderland Pier will close for good after the summer season because it is “no longer a viable business.”
Despite Wonderland’s rich history and traditions, the amusement park struggled with financial troubles in recent years. In January 2021, Wonderland Pier was ordered to be put up for a sheriff's auction because Jay Gillian defaulted on $8 million in mortgage debt.
However, Gillian secured the financing needed to prevent an auction through developer Eustace Mita, owner of the Icona luxury resorts in the Cape May County beach communities of Avalon, Cape May and Diamond Beach. Mita still owns the property, but has not yet announced what he intends to do with it after Wonderland Pier closes down.
Roy Gillian started Wonderland Pier with just 10 rides on a large parcel of Boardwalk real estate that had sat empty for a decade after a fire had destroyed Stainton’s Playland, a previous entertainment complex, according to Wonderland’s history. Under his leadership, Wonderland Pier grew into a major attraction anchoring the northern end of the Boardwalk.
The iconic Ferris wheel is one of the centerpieces of Wonderland Pier.
In addition to his experience in Ocean City and Cape May County politics, Roy Gillian served on a number of boards in the banking, medical and amusement park industries.
They included serving as former chairman of the board and director of Ocean City Home Bank for 34 years, former president and board member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and the former president and director of the New Jersey Amusement Association.
He was also the former president of Shore Medical Center and past president of the Jersey Cape Diagnostic & Training Center.
Roy Gillian’s talents extended beyond the political and business world. He was also an accomplished pianist who was the leader of Roy Gillian & His Orchestra from 1947 to 1951. He loved to play piano and entertain throughout his adult life, his obituary said.
Born on Nov. 5, 1929, he grew up in Havertown, Pa., graduating from Haverford High School in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Patricia Gillian. Other survivors include his son, Steven Gillian, and son Jay Gillian and his wife, Michele. He was predeceased by sons John Gillian and James Gillian.
He was also the father-in-law of Betsy Belleville Gillian and stepfather of Tammy Essington Defelice and her husband, Chet, and Michael Essington and his wife, DeeDee.
He was the grandfather of 12 children and great-grandfather of nine and had a devoted caregiver, Josh Rogasky.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., 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 in Palermo.
Flowers are being accepted, or memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Shore Medical Center, 100 Medical Center Way, Somers Point, N.J. 08244.
Roy Gillian, second from right, is joined by Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio, former Congressman Bill Hughes and his son, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian, during an Election Night celebration in 2018.
