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Beloved Boardwalk Tram Driver Dies at 97
13 Sep
Summary
- A cherished tram driver passed away at 97 after decades of service.
- He spent 35 years bringing smiles to riders on the Wildwood boardwalk.
- He fulfilled a young fan's dream by letting him control the tram.
John "Gig" Gigliotti, widely recognized for his warm greetings while driving the Wildwood boardwalk's iconic yellow tram, passed away at the age of 97. His career on the tram spanned 35 years, concluding with his retirement in May. Gigliotti shared that after retiring from a career in railroads, he found joy in operating the miniature trams, seeing it as a continuation of his lifelong work.
He was known for his kindness, notably creating a memorable experience for a young fan, Oliver Carroll, by allowing him to playfully operate the tram's controls. This act exemplified the joy and generosity he brought to his role. Gigliotti had a significant career in the railroad industry before his time on the boardwalk, serving the United States Army and working for decades with Reading Railroad and Conrail.
