He was the son of the late, beautiful Eleanor G. Sell and the late, great Herbert J. Sell. He is survived by his loving wife Angela Sell, beloved sons Christopher Sell, Derek (Megan) Sell, and Jordan Taylor, his adored grandchildren Katherine Sell and Andrew Sell, his sister Kathy Walton, and loving family members Aunt Janet Cole, Aunt Betty Jones. Heather (Bill) Stough, Lauren Stough, Richard (Laura) Hopkins, Jeff Cole, Jason Jones, Tyler Cole, Alexander Cole and Carolyn Smith.

A native of Littlestown, Pennsylvania, John was a 1977 graduate of Littlestown HS. lettered as a starter for the Thunderbolts for 4 years. John was nominated for the 1977 Big 33 team, was an honorable mention AP all-state Scholastic football team and defensive tackle, and made Sunday Patriot's Blue Chip List Top 5 list for best players in the Midstate. In track & field, John broke Littlestown's school record for the discus with a toss of 156'3.5" - a record he still holds to this day. He was recruited and played for Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in 1977 as a top 5 "Blue Chip" state linemen. John was an All-American offensive lineman and four-year letter winner for the Red Raiders (1977-1980). In 1980, he was voted as one of the best offensive linemen for the Red Raiders in the previous 50 years. In the same year, he earned the Associated Press' "Little All-America" honorable mention and All-PSAC and All-ECAC. John's exploits earned the Red Raiders team the prestigious Vinton Rambo award as the outstanding senior lineman for 1980. John was a member the the fraternity TKE. He graduated from Shippensburg University in 1981 with a degree in criminal justice. In 1981, Big John went to the Big Time by signing with the Philadelphia Eagles and going to training camp with legendary Dick Vermeil. The Browns and Chiefs were interested in John's ability on the football field, but John preferred the Eagles.  Big John was so happy to see the Eagles soar to win the last Super Bowl. Fly Eagles Fly! 

From Football to Flatbed

John spent the entirety of his career in the trucking industry, specifically in business development. For the last 16 years of his career, he worked diligently for TMC (The Mickow Corporation) and retired as a Regional Vice President of Business Development in 2023. John was inducted into the Adams County, PA, Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2016, Big John was inducted into the Shippensburg, PA, Hall of Fame. He was a member of the NFLPA, the NFL Alumni Association of Dallas, active with fundraising for his alma mater's football team, Red Raiders for Life "RR4L', and member of the Gettysburg Club.

Before moving to The Villages in 2021, John and Angela built, owned, and operated Sazon Anita Vineyard and B&B. John loved his tractor, working the land and vineyard. His pond in Texas was stocked with hybrid Trout. Trout fishing with his father was always a fond memory for John. Every minute with his grandchildren was cherished and leisure summers spent on Lake Texoma with his sons was priceless. He enjoyed putting in a few rounds of golf as well.  The Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War were of great interest to John. John and Angela traveled extensively to seaside towns in Florida. John made an impression wherever he went. He was a leader, competitor, mentor, icredible loyal friend, father, son and husband. People gravitated towards his gracious and vibrant personality. His family, an abundance of cherished friends, and our Village of Pennecamp will forever miss his presence. You are now whole and at peace in the hands of God, John. You are forever embedded in our hearts!