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Roy Gillian, the former mayor of Ocean City and the founder of the iconic Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, has passed away at the age of 94. Gillian, who was born in Havertown, Pennsylvania, served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 after graduating from Haverford High School. He entered the theme park business in 1957, taking over Ocean City's Fun Deck Amusement Park, which was founded by his father in 1930. In 1965, Gillian founded what is now known as Wonderland Pier, at 6th Street and the Boardwalk in Ocean City. He also founded Gillian’s Island and Adventure Golf.
Gillian's political career was equally impressive. He served as an Ocean City commissioner from 1963-1967, Cape May County Freeholder from 1971-1976, Commissioner of Cape May County Municipal Utilities from 1982-1986, and Mayor of Ocean City from 1986-90. His son, Jay Gillian, is the current mayor of Ocean City.
In addition to his career in theme parks and politics, Gillian was also a skilled pianist and the orchestra leader of “Roy Gillian & His Orchestra” from 1947 through 1951. He is survived by his wife, two sons, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. A visitation for Gillian will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., Ocean City, from noon until 2 p.m. with a Masonic service at 1:45 p.m. followed by a Christian service at 2 p.m. A burial with Military Honors will follow in Seaside Cemetery, Palermo.