Joseph Glynn Stephen Lunney
Glynn Lunney died Friday, March 19th, peacefully in his home. He was 84 years old. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Lunney; his daughter and son-in-law, Jenny Lunney Brayley and Kyle Brayley; his sons, Glynn Jr and wife Jeri, Shawn and wife Becky, and Bryan and wife Amori; his twelve grandchildren, Abbey and husband Stu, Erin and husband Scott, Christopher and wife Rachael, Kendall, Connor, Shea, Macy, Jordan, Daira, Bryce, Drake and Grant; and many more family members and friends.
Glynn was born in 1936 in Old Forge, Pennsylvania. His parents were William Lunney (served in the Army Air Corp and then joined his brothers in the coal mines at the end of the Korean war) and Helen Glynn Lunney. He is also survived by his three younger siblings, Bill, Gerry and Carol.
The trajectory of his life was changed forever when the nuns of his early education and a benefactor arranged for him to continue his education through a work study program at Scranton Prep high school instead of entering the mines at the age of twelve. He was forever grateful for their efforts, the sacrifices his parents made and the academic rigor of the curriculum.
He went on to earn his Aerospace Engineering degree from the University of Detroit Mercy through their co-op program with NACA. He joined the NACA Lewis Research Center upon graduation and met his future bride, Marilyn Kurtz.
When Sputnik shattered American complacency, he was asked to join the newly formed Space Task Group (STG) by his boss, George Low, and moved to Langley. He was perpetually enthused and excited by his work and the brilliance and commitment of his mentors such as Dr. Chris Kraft and his colleagues.
Along with the rest of the STG, he relocated to Houston in 1961 where they started the Manned Spacecraft Center, now known as Johnson Space Center. They began inventing the concepts and principles for flying manned vehicles in space and executing the mission from a central point on the ground. These concepts and principles are still employed in today’s human spaceflight operations. He began working as a Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO) which is the discipline responsible for turning the newly invented and complex math of orbital mechanics into spacecraft commands used to perform critical orbital maneuvers. He supported the Mercury and Gemini missions as a FDO and then was selected to be a Flight Director in 1964. He served numerous Gemini and Apollo missions as “Flight” (aka “Black Flight”.) The Black Flight team, under his leadership, played a critical role in the miraculous recovery and success of the Apollo 13 mission. During Black Flight’s shift that fateful night, they were responsible for recovering from the oxygen tank explosion, stabilizing the situation and devising a plan to return the crew safely to earth. He described that critical shift in his Oral History by saying “It posed a continuous demand for the best decisions often without hard data and mostly on the basis of judgment, in the face of the most severe in-flight emergency faced thus far in manned spaceflight.” During this one shift, the fate of the Apollo 13 crew hung in the balance, but he led the Black Flight Team to establish the path for the crew’s eventual safe return.
Throughout Apollo, in addition to his duties as a Flight Director, he accepted additional roles of increasing responsibility including the role as Chief of the Flight Director Office in 1968. Towards the end of Apollo, he was asked to participate in the United States negotiations with the USSR for a joint mission to be called the Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASPT). This led to his role as ASTP Program Manager where he navigated the Cold War era challenges of cooperation between the world’s competing, and not so friendly, super powers to enable a safe and successful on orbit docking of an Apollo and Soyuz spacecraft in 1975. After ASTP, he assumed leadership roles in the upcoming space shuttle program including Program Manager of the space shuttle system after STS-1. He retired from NASA in 1985 and continued to work in the America’s space program in the private sector until he formally retired in 1998. However, even in retirement, he would continue to counsel and mentor many engineers, astronauts, grandchildren and future leaders of America’s Human Spaceflight Program.
He was a man of faith. He embodied the values of integrity, kindness, excellence, courage, and personal responsibility. He always chose to do the right thing no matter how challenging. He brooked no excuses for himself or others. His courage was manifested in ways both large and in the small daily decisions of life. He did not waste time or talent. He possessed a remarkable intellect and a formidable work ethic and sought to employ them for the greater good.
Despite his many accomplishments, he remained a humble man. He was always grateful for the many opportunities, wonderful people and the lottery of life that positioned him in a time and place to use his talents and drive to forge his path in the world. He felt incredibly blessed by his formative years, his work, and his family and for the extraordinary life he lived.
He was a patriot and proud to serve his country through his work in the space program. He felt the American democratic ideal was one of the brightest dreams of mankind. He believed America had the privilege and power to lead the world to a better place.
Most importantly, he was the type of human being we all strive to be. He was always gracious and kind to everyone. It mattered not your education, background, nor station in life. He felt your perspective and input were just as valuable as his or anyone else’s. He respected and enjoyed a well-considered knowledgeable exchange of thoughts and ideas.
We will greatly miss his genuine warmth and generous spirit. When you entered the room, he was always happy to see you and greeted you with a warm beautiful smile, a hug, or a handshake. He gave you his full attention and engaged with you regarding whatever was on your mind. He always made you feel loved, valued, and appreciated.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 25, from 11am to 1pm and 5pm to 7pm at Crowder Funeral Home on 111 E. Medical Center Blvd in Webster Texas.
A funeral mass will be held Friday, March 26, at Mary Queen Catholic Church on 606 Cedarwood Drive in Friendswood Texas. As the church would like to have some idea of how many people to expect, please register at the following link if you plan to attend in person.
https://glynn-stephen-lunney-funeral-mary-queen-catholic-church.pushpayevents.com/booking/tickets
If you prefer to attend the Live Stream of the visitation (only at 5pm), please visit https://youtu.be/MTd2BnJXMGY
If you prefer to attend the Live Stream of the funeral, please visit Mary Queen Catholic Church Facebook Page or
YouTube channel Mary Queen Adult Faith https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mary+queen+adult+faith
An awesome individual. Enjoyed working him many years at JSC. Prayers and thoughts to the family.
Gerri Martisek
A true space pioneer, father and friend. Fair winds and a following sea~~~
Cherre & Harry
Our heartfelt condolences to the Lunney family. We hope you find comfort in the many memories you have made over the years. Liz and Peter Poulin
The entire Genotox Family wishes to express our deepest sorrow for the loss of a true pioneer
It was a true gift to know Glynn. A man of great accomplishment and great humility.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn and all of the Lunney family.
When one reflects on Apollo’s legacy, Glynn stands tall among the giants who are responsible for the monumental achievement in the history of the world, landing men on the Moon. Along with Christ Kraft, Gene Kranz, Gerry Griffin and Milt Windler, Glynn became a notable hero to so many. Yet, none more respected him than those flight controllers who he mentored. He became a “father-figure” to many on and off the job during his NASA career and in later life.
I discovered this helping him edit a book (“From the Trench of Mission Control to the Craters of the Moon”) about his beloved team of controllers. He would often come by my NASA office with the manuscript wanting to make sure all those he led and loved got credit for their contributions even though some had passed from this life. Additionally, I discovered Glynn to be a man of faith in the Christ he knew as his Lord and Savior. So now Glynn joins them once more in that great MOCR above. Rather than closing with the words “Rest in Peace”, it seems more fitting to wish that you Glynn “Rest in Life Eternal” until all of your Apollo team joins you above.
An outstanding man. One of the perks of working at UHCL for 13 years was having the opportunity to chat in my office with Glynn about all manner of things…deep, thoughtful, exploratory conversations. He was modest, insightful, inquisitive and humane. My wife and I met Glynn by working with Marilyn on a program she started at the university. If you got to know one, you got to know the other…a wonderful team. We will keep all those affected by this loss in our prayers.
Bryan and all your family,
You Dad is a National treasure and leaves us an amazing legacy. Our deepest condolences to you all,
Jim Clement and family
I never had the pleasure of working directly for Glynn, but frequently chatted socially for decades. Even when he was running STSOC, he always had time for a chat. Always a quick wit, he was always willing to share information and guidance if you asked for it.
The measure of a man, however is how his children grow up. Surely God recognizes that despite his dedication to NASA, he was even more devoted to Marilyn and his children.
My prayers and condolences are with Marilyn and their children. A life well lived, Glynn!!
From 2008-2013, I served on JSC Director Mike Coats’ staff as the Associate Director-Technical, John Young’s old job. Glynn knew I was in over my head and would periodically drop in unannounced, always with a smile, sit down and do two things. First, he wanted to know how I was doing by deftly poking and prodding me to be open with him on what I was concerned about. I always received thoughtful council. Then he would change the subject and share with me his thoughts on his sense of today’s space program, dropping a hint or two on what i might pay attention to. I loved those unannounced interruptions. Thanks “Flight”!
Marilyn and your wonderful family, stay safe…stay healthy…stay upbeat!
Milt and Sally Heflin
My sincere condolences to the entire family. Glynn was an outstanding gentleman, and I am better for having known him.
I treasure his book, and the time he spent speaking of his experience with the JSC National Management Association.
Our entire family offers our prayers,
Dottie and I offer condolences to Glen’s family. I am proud to have known and worked with him. He is one of the essential individuals that made NASA’s successes possible.
Of my 40 plus years at JSC, I can honestly say that I always looked up to Glynn and revered him as someone I loved to work with and for. I can name maybe five or so people at NASA that I think were outstanding managers and wonderful people to have the distinct pleasure to have known. Glynn is one of the best. A true friend, fellow worker and true American Patriot. God’s speed to your heavenly reward. My prayers to Marilyn and family.
Very sorry to hear of Glynn’s passing. Lots of short interesting conversations with him when I worked at Ellington Field traveling around on NASA 2…..
Very considerate and friendly person, not to mention a US Space Program ICON!
Condolences to the Lunney Family, All.
RIP sir. Because of people like you, Chris, Gene, Gerry, Milt, Cliff and Pete we touched the moon. Godspeed.
Glynn was a great mentor and friend, he is missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as well as those of us in the NASA family honored enough to have known him. He was a great role model on how to prepare, meet challenges, value others, and live a life worth living.
I grew up hearing his name, and have met him over the years at many events. What a great person, and I bet he was a great dad and family man too.
We are truly sorry about your loss, but a person such as Glynn Lunney had such an impact on so many important things, that he will definitely not be forgotten!
As the daughter of an Apollo astronaut, I suspect all the Apollo astronauts are feeling his loss on Earth, but in Heaven, they are having a friendly 24 pack about now and talking about a job well done! May he now soar through the stars and the universe with peace and comfort of knowing he lived a life worth living. God Speed Glenn Lunney! And To the Moon!
A leader, a mentor, a gentleman and a dear friend. Our prayers to Marilyn and
family.
Marilyn and family, our hearts and prayers go out to you. I had the privilege of working with and knowing Glynn since 1962. What a pleasure. And your involvement with our RNASA (Rotary National Award for Space Achievement) Foundation and annual galas is so prized. Glynn, God speed, my friend. Bob and Jordie.
I had the honor of being the commander of the international space station in the fall of 2001. When Bryan Lunney was designated as a Flight Director, following in his father’s footsteps, I had the additional honor of announcing that event from space and congratulating him while he was on the console. After I spoke to Bryan, I asked him to turn around and look at who was standing behind him. It was his parents, Glynn and Marilyn, who had been secretly invited for the occasion. It was a very touching moment for me and I think for others. But even better was when I asked Bryan to give Glynn a headset so I could speak to my friend. We had a nice conversation, but the best part was when Glynn told me that this was the first time he had ever actually spoken to an astronaut in orbit after all of his years on console. The capcoms of the previous programs guarded that privilege strictly, even from the flight directors! I was honored and humbled to be the first to speak with Glynn from space. A giant in our business to whom the country and the world owe a lot. Frank C
My condolences to the Lunney family. Glynn was a true pioneer and a great American, now called to a higher orbit. He was always so approachable and full of enthusiasm and insights. I’ll be forever grateful that he took the time for a lowly new guy like me.
Thank you Glynn for all of your contributions to the success of the space program over the years. You have been and will no doubt continue to be a great inspiration to those that follow you. Our deepest condolences to Marilyn and family.
Bryan, Barbara and I were so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was truly one of the great people that helped our space program through many years. He was a great mentor and a friend and I learned a lot from him through our many discussions that we had when we worked together at NASA. I regret that I will not be able to attend the services on Thursday or Friday but just know that our hearts and our prayers are with you folks on these days. LEE and Barbara Briscoe
Glynn and Marilyn have been our great friends for many years. Glynn could be (might be) the best that NASA ever had. Dot and I will sorely miss the lunches we had together. Rest in peace, dear friend.
To the Lunney Family,
Please accept my heartfelt and sincere sympathies and condolences on the passing of Mr. Glynn S. Lunney, NASA Flight Director.
He will always be remembered by a grateful Nation for his undying commitment and contributions to NASA’s Human Spaceflight Program.
May the memory of Mr. Lunney be cherished and never forgotten by every future generation; inspired by his legendary and remarkable achievements as one of America’s early space pioneers. RIP.
As many have said, Glynn was an icon and a mentor and role model for many of us. He embodied all that is NASA and his bold leadership raised the spirits and confidence of all who served with him. Jackie and I extend to Marilyn and the entire Lunney family our heartfelt condolences and pray that God let his Grace shine upon all of you as you celebrate Glynn’s incredible life.
God’s Peace!
Charlie and Jackie B.
He was the stillness in the center of a hurricane. I look forward to our next meeting.
I have been richly blessed to have such a wonderful uncle. My memories go back to being the flower girl in their wedding. I cherish all my memories of Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Glynn. He truly was an amazing man, not just for all his incredible accomplishments, but for his incredible graciousness, generosity, and kindness. He was always fun to be with and a great wise man to talk to. He loss will leave such a void, but the love of all your remarkable children and grandchildren, I know, will keep you going Aunt Marilyn. My heart is with you.
Glynn was my Manager during my NASA assignment to analyze Shuttle Cargo Bay Payload Assignments. He was a great leader/communicator and will be missed.
This is a difficult time for you but the Lord will guide you always.
Condolences to the entire Lunney family on the loss of one of America’s finest, from your cousins Joe and Mary Glynn. We are so proud to have known and to be related to such an icon. He won the hearts of his entire childhood hometown, Old Forge, Pennsylvania who all share our pride in his accomplishments. We will all miss him so very much.
I stood on the shoulders of this giant of America’s space program. I was blessed to serve with Glynn Lundy during the Space Shuttle Program. He was a gifted leader and mentor todo many of us. A gracious and humble leader of men. I salute this Great American. He will be sorely missed. My sympathy and prayers are with Bryan and the entire Lunney family. And we will see Glynn again. I look forward to it in the new life to come. God Bless
Frank Buzzard
Glen was a long time friend. Our great times were always associated with him always having a Big smile on his face.
He was my hero from the distance for many years. As a journalist, I had the experience that sometimes getting to know your hero personally can be a disappointment. With Glynn, it was completely the other way round. After having the honour to be able to talk to him at lenght last summer, my respect and admiration for him rose even higher. Thank you, Marilyn, for making this possible, my heart goes out to you and your family, wishing all of you all the strenght you need in this time.
Godspeed Glynn, I hope you found your eternal cathedral in the heavens now. So sad you are gone – but so glad you were here.
I was deeply sorrowed when I learned of Glynn’s death, but then when I began to reflect on times we worked and socially met, my sorrow changed to joy and thoughts of being blessed. Glynn had an extraordinary impact on my life. His spirit will always live in my heart.
The last thing he said to me was, “God Bless.” “God Bless you, Glynn, on your journey!”
My thoughts are with you, Marilyn, and your children and grandchildren.
Tommy Hanchett, “INCO”
As a starry-eyed kid growing up with Apollo, dreaming of working in the space program and reading about the likes of Kraft, Kranz and Lunney, I was dumbstruck to actually find myself in the presence of these giants when I came aboard in 1980. My first meeting with Glynn was to deliver a briefing and demonstration of off-line desktop computer emulation of MCC console tools. I don’t know if I’ve ever been more scared going in, but felt so great coming out! I learned then that Glynn had the knack of putting one at ease, while still demanding (and getting) one’s best, and making one happy to do so! He touched so many lives in positive ways, and I am proud to have known him. God bless and comfort the Lunney family.
My sincere condolences to the family. I worked with Glynn on the Apollo program and numerous Space Shuttle flights. He was a great guy both professionally and personally. RIP!
I have a very fond memory of Glynn soon after he had taken the President role for RSOC (Rockwell Space Operation Company) as my wife and I were fortunate to be sitting at the same table as him at the 1989 20th anniversary of Apollo Lunar Landing Gala event. As I was still a very young 25 year old engineer with only 3-1/2 years experience for RSOC, I was amazed in this first interaction with Glynn, within his highly elevated role, that he actually was interested in what my wife and I had to say. We had such a good time and such a good conversation at dinner that night, then after dinner he asked us if we wanted to shadow him as he made his way throughout the room to say hello to other very important persons in the room. My wife and I will never forget the grace and candor on display from such a great man. We later learned that this experience was one that many had with him, as he was truly a person that was always very approachable good natured person to talk to. We will miss him as a great leader, a great engineer, and even more as a great person.
Glynn was many things including a dearly loved brother.
Truly one of the giants on whose shoulders so many stood. Glynn will be sorely missed, but his legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of those of us he inspired.
Bill & Cindy McArthur
What a man ! My next door neighbor for 25 years ! We meet weekly over the fence to talk about those dam leaves falling in our pool ! And many other funny stuff ! He was a mentor! He was a neighbor ! But most he was our friend ! We love the lunney family ! He will always be with us !! Brooks and Kathleen
Glynn had that unique capacity to be both my boss and my friend. He was the consummate team builder and an inspirational leader. “Thank you Boss for sharing those wonderful years of RSOC achievements. May your family find joy and comfort in their wonderful memories of you!”
It’s with great sadness and deep condolences for the Lunney family. During my trips to Houston, I so looked forward to our Sunday morning breakfast conversations, and a round of golf if possible. He was the best golf partner to share life’s many anecdotes and interesting facets apparent in life’s horizon ahead. Glynn was so incredibly humble, kind, and just happy to share life’s interesting paths. I will miss him very much.
A great, friendly and humble man. I signed on to NASA at the Stahl Meyers building fresh from college where Glenn and other notable flight control personnel were a door or two from me. Sad to hear of his passing
Dear Marilyn and family,
Jon and I send our deepest sympathies.
Glynn was a tremendous person, leader, and boss. It was an honor and gift to have worked for him.
Love,
Barbara and Jon Zelon
My best memory of Glynn is also the most recent. I was giving a tour of the MCC to a family that included a young lady enthusiastic about space and thinking that human space operations might be a future path for her. As we were about to leave the MCC viewing room, the Lunneys entered, doing their own tour for a family friend. Glynn and Bryan both took some of their own time to talk with the family I was touring and patiently answered some of the young lady’s questions.
Grace has been further inspired by Glynn and is now completely hooked on space operations and has firmly asserted that Black Flight is her hero and role model. To that end, she has asked that I extend condolences from her and her family as well as those from our family.
Glynn was my first boss at NASA. He had an amazing intellect and yet was a humble man…a combination of traits not frequently found. I will always remember the kindnesses extended to the newest members of the Flight Dynamics Branch in 1965 by Glynn and Marilyn by inviting us newbies over for a delicious home cooked meal.
I was not able to attend Glynn’s funeral because of health issues but I did stream the services on facebook. It was a beautiful service and Shawn’s eulogy to his Dad was
just perfect. My sincerest condolences to the Lunney family.
God speed, Black Flight !
Glynn was one of the kindest men we have known. Shawn Lunney’s eulogy and explanation of the “why”s that Glynn learned early and applied consistently over his lifetime was a lesson for all.
My sincere condolences to you Marilyn and the entire Lunney family. Glenn was an amazing human being, excellent at everything he did. I was privileged to come to NASA at a time which allowed me to work with many of the giants of the early US Space Program, and Glenn was definitely one of the greatest. In addition, he was a wonderfully warm, kind person who treated everyone with dignity and respect. I will miss his warm smile and genuine interest in what I was doing every time I saw him over the years. Bryan, your eulogy was one of the best I have ever heard over the years. You summed up a life well lived so beautifully capturing the essence of all that made Glenn such a truly wonderful human being. I am sure your Dad is very proud of you, and I know that despite his many wonderful accomplishments, he feels his greatest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren. I know his passing will leave a big hole in your lives that will be hard to fill, but I hope all your wonderful memories will help lessen the pain. The world and your family lost a truly great man, and I will miss him….
Marilyn, Bryan and all the Lunney family, the loss of Glenn is sad day for all. As many have said Glenn was a giant among those who built our manned space program. Throughout it all, he remained professional, focused and kind. The leader all of us emulated and would hope to be. I am grateful to have known him and have benefited from his leadership. Always a gentleman with a kind word or thoughtful suggestion, his presence will be with us. We will miss him. Jim and Jean Buchli
During the anniversary celebration for Apollo 10 my wife and I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Lunney and his lovely Marilyn. During our brief conversation his warmth, kindness, humility, and intellect left such an impression it will always remain one of our fondest memories. We are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn and the entire family.
My deepest condolences to the entire Lunney family. Mr. Lunney was a pioneer in our space program whose work will never be forgotten. He was a role model and hero to so many. Shawn, your eulogy to your dad was AMAZING. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this time of mourning.
As hundred others, we too have wonderful memories of Glynn, a brilliant kind gentleman. I especially consider it a privilege to have worked with Glynn through the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs. I was always impressed with his ability to sort through all the suggestions, proposals, requirements’ conflicts and resolve them and come to conclusions that benefited our programs.
We cherish his friendship and the many neighborly relations from the time we and his family moved to Houston in the early 60s.
Marguerite and John Stonesifer.
Last night, April 11, I was saddened to read that Glynn Lunney had passed away in March. We were cousins through my father’s Hennigan line. i came to know his name when my parents clipped an article in the paper regarding his role in the late 1960’s space flights. I still have that clipping. Over the years, my deep interest in genealogy led me to see the connection between Glynn and me. In 2018, my younger son moved his family to Houston. My thoughts turned to Glynn. I knew he lived in the area, but did not know how to reach out to his family. This year, my husband and I were in Houston for 3 weeks in March, and when I read the news last night, that Glynn passed away while we were nearby, my heart sank. Our deepest condolences are sent to his wife and family.
My condolences. He was mean to me when I was at NASA but he ended up liking me. Godspeed sir Windsor Mountbatten