Former Ocean City Mayor, Gillian's Wonderland Pier Founder, Dies at 94

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Former Ocean City mayor and Gillian's Wonderland Pier founder Roy Gillian has died, according to an obituary. He was 94.

The news of his death followed the announcement that Gillian's Wonderland Pier would be closing for good at the end of the season.

Gillian, a staple of the Ocean City community for decades, died at home on Aug. 17. He grew up in Havertown, PA and served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953, according to his obituary.

It was 1957 when Gillian and his brother, Bob, took over the Fun Deck amusement park, which was founded by their father David Gillian in 1930, the obituary said. He left to found Gillian's Wonderland Pier in 1965. Gillian also founded Gillian's Island and Adventure Golf.

Gillian served as 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.

His visitation will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 1:45 p.m. followed by a Christian Service at 2 p.m., according to his obituary. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Seaside Cemetery, Palermo.

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