John "Gig" J. Gigliotti

John J. “Gig” Gigliotti, 97, of West Deptford, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026.

Born in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, John grew up in the Poconos before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. Following his military service, he moved to Philadelphia, where he began a long and distinguished career with the Reading Railroad. He later retired from Conrail as a conductor after 40 years of dedicated service.

John was also an entrepreneur, having opened and operated a deli in Northeast Philadelphia. He married the love of his life, Barbara (nee Schiavo), and together they made their home in West Deptford. In 1983, John and Barbara purchased a second home in North Wildwood, where their family spent countless summers together. It was there that John began his second remarkable career with the Wildwood Tram Cars. For 35 years, he served as a Safety Coordinator, retiring in May 2026.

A man of deep commitment to his community, John was a member of the Masonic Order for more than 50 years. He was an active member of the Masonic Temple at One North Broad Street in Philadelphia, an organization that was especially near and dear to his heart. He was also a member of Lu Lu Shriners in Plymouth Meeting, where, in his younger years, he generously volunteered his time raising money to support Shriners Hospitals for Children.

John truly loved the Wildwood Boardwalk and the people who made it special. In 2025, he was honored as an official Icon of the Wildwoods, a fitting recognition of the lasting impression he made on the community. He had a particular fondness for the children of Wildwood and enjoyed visiting local schools through the Lunch With Lynch Foundation. His presence on the Boardwalk, his dedication to others, and his warm personality made him a beloved and memorable part of the Wildwoods community.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife of 46 years, Barbara, in 2017; and by his siblings, Edward Gigliotti, Lena Zambone, Marion LeDonne, and Anthony Gigliotti.

He is survived by his children, Frank Gigliotti of Port St. Lucie, Florida; William Gigliotti (Rhonda) of West Deptford; and Diane Gigliotti of West Deptford; his sister, Rosemary “Tootie” Filingo (Mike) of Bangor, Pennsylvania; and his brother, Peter Gigliotti of Bangor, Pennsylvania.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicole Gigliotti of Philadelphia; William “Billy” Gigliotti Jr. (Emily) of West Deptford; Matthew Novak of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Michael Gigliotti of West Deptford; Joseph Gigliotti of Franklinville, New Jersey; and Nicholas Novak of Tampa, Florida; as well as his great-grandchildren, Raegan Campagna, Tessa Gigliotti, Gavin Gigliotti, Giovanni Gigliotti, and Sofia Gigliotti.

John leaves behind a lifetime of service, devotion to his family, and countless memories shared with those who knew and loved him. His legacy will live on in his family, the Masonic community, the Wildwood Boardwalk, and in the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable 97 years.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Thursday, September 17, from 10:00 a.m. until the Masonic Service at 12:00 noon at Davis and Wagner Funeral & Cremation Services, 171 Delaware Street, Woodbury, NJ. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in John’s memory to:

Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development                                                                                                                          One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022                                                                                                                                   pamasonictemple.org

Lunch With Lynch Foundation                                                                                                                                                                                       P.O. Box 1322Wildwood, NJ 08260                                                                                                                                                lunchwithlynch.com/gig

Memories and condolences may be shared at daviswagner.com.