Thomas J. Kelly (aerospace engineer)
Thomas Joseph Kelly (June 14, 1929 – March 23, 2002) was an American aerospace engineer. Kelly primary worked on the Apollo Lunar Module, which earned him the name of "Father of the Lunar Module" from NASA.
Thomas J. Kelly graduated from Cornell University in 1951, where he was a member of the Quill and Dagger society. Kelly obtained his MS degree from Columbia University in 1956 and later completed graduate studies at Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, graduating in 1958.
Kelly was the Project Engineer, Engineering Manager and Deputy Program Manager for Grumman Aircraft's Apollo Lunar Module (1962–1970). His 2001 book Moon Lander: How We Developed the Apollo Lunar Module documents the process of designing, building and flying the Lunar Module.
Kelly was portrayed by Matt Craven in the 1998 miniseries From the Earth to the Moon.
Early Life
Tomas Joseph Kelly was born on June 14, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Merrick, New York. He attended Wellington C. Mepham High School. While attending, Kelly was remembered by his genial nature, impish smile, playing the trumpet, and his ability to "ace" all his tests. He eventually graduated Wellington with valedictorian.