Rodney Bruce Sorkin

Rodney Bruce Sorkin, 80, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on July 25, 2021. He was born on December 6, 1940, in New York, New York, to the late Murray Sorkin and the late Rachel (Watwood) Sorkin.

Rodney started his education in New York at the Bronx School of Science followed by Cooper Union where he graduated with the highest GPA ever in electrical engineering program in 1961 with a B.E.E. (a record he held until 1998). While employed at The Battelle Memorial Institute he continued his studies at The Ohio State University where he graduated with a M.S.E.E. in 1965.

In 1967 Rodney started his career at the National Security Agency where he distinguished himself as a leader and rose through the ranks to Senior Executive prior to his retirement in 1999. During his career he received multiple awards and citations, including several Meritorious Service Awards signed by contemporary POTUS’ as well as the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal (the highest award given by the Director of Central Intelligence to a US intelligence employee).

In June 1961 Rodney married Linda Anne Cooke at her family’s home in Long Island. Throughout their long and loving life together they always enjoyed traveling through Europe and taking Caribbean cruises. In 2004, approximately 6 weeks after Linda passed away after a long battle with chronic illness, Rodney had a stroke that limited his post-retirement physical abilities while thankfully leaving his sharp mind intact.

Rodney is survived by his children, Anthony Sorkin and Elizabeth Sorkin; and grandchildren, Anthony Bruce Sorkin and Skyler Thomas Sorkin. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and siblings, Jay Sorkin, Beatty (Sorkin) Uscier, and Estelle (Sorkin) Perlin. He will be missed dearly by all his friends and family.

A small funeral will be held with the family this Fall at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Crownsville. A Celebration of Life event will be planned for the Spring to bring together all of his friends and colleagues from around the world to share his memory in fellowship and devotion.