John David Sorrell

John David Sorrell, Sr.- Technology Entrepreneur-Obituary

Sunrise- July 1, 1940, Sunset- April 15, 2026

It is with profound sorrow that the Sorrell Family announces the passing of John David Sorrell on April 30, 2026, age 85, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. John passed away peacefully in his home of 50 years surrounded by his loving family.

John was a forward thinker; an avid sports fan; Go Eagles, Sixers, Penn Relays; loved Jazz; A talented chef & gardener; Loved watching films in his home theater; Adored Pomeranians-Dean & Rex; Valued time spent with family and friends.

John was a family man, supportive father, and mentor. He is survived by his loving family, adoring wife Susan Sorrell of over 30 years, sons from a previous marriage, John David, Jr., Anthony Loring & Chad Tyler Sorrell and honorary son, friend and caretaker, Sammy Tillman, their wives, five grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition, he has many friends and associates including technology students whose lives he impacted.

John was born on July 1, 1940, in North Philadelphia, PA, the beloved son of Ethelyn Sorrell and Jack Sorrell. John David was reared by Ethel and his beloved grandmother, Haddie Johnson. Sharing his childhood with his older sister Dorothy, and her daughter Renee. The family was Baptist in faith.

John graduated in 1958 from Central High School, a Philadelphia preparatory high school. John was a member of the track and cross-country teams, competing at the Penn Relays. He later graduated from Penn State University, receiving a Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree. While at Penn State, he played basketball at Penn State-Ogontz and was an active member of Omega Phi Psi fraternity.

In 1978, John was awarded a Sloan Fellowship to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) conferred in 1979 with a Master of Sciences (Corporate Strategy). The Sloan Fellowship included a world tour meeting with Asian and European world leaders and prime ministers as well as Global CEOs.

During his corporate career, John spent 13 years at CIGNA, working as Vice President, within Group Operations. John later worked as a technology entrepreneur, leading (CEO) Integrated Computer Technologies (ICT) creating systems integration solutions including TRU-Sig, first generation bank-teller platform signature verification and smart card products. Today, most financial institutions use similar access and security systems.

In 2000, John came out of retirement to lead Broadband Multimedia Technology (BMT) pioneering corporate campus video conferencing, working closely with General Motors to develop an innovative solution for their weekly international videoconference meetings between corporate headquarters and their London office; and the Chicago Homeland Security office to provide desktop videoconferencing for members of their response team.

John was a founding member of the African American Chamber of Commerce and returned to the Cherry Hill community teaching Technology courses at Cherry Hill High School East.

John valued life and peaceful discourse. He will be remembered for his intellect, enduring friendships, contributions to society and his personal style.

In lieu of flowers. Kindly send a gift in memory of John D. Sorrell to Hope for Children’s Research Foundation, 501-C-3, Non-Profit, 22-3326881, 7000 Lake Street, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446, 201-962-8626, www.hopeforchildrenresearch.org