Kevin Michael Speight

Kevin Michael Speight was called home on January 9, 2026. His career was remarkable and his adventures far-reaching, but, above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, anchoring his family with humor, patience, and an unmistakable sense of calm.

Kevin spent his professional life designing systems most people only read about. As an aerospace engineer, he worked on nuclear submarines, military and NASA satellites, and advanced aircraft products. His work became part of history—quite literally. Kevin’s signature even rests on Mars as part of the Viking Mission to Mars Program, leaving his mark far beyond the Chesapeake Bay he loved so much.

The recipient of several awards for outstanding engineering and quality control, Kevin Speight’s professional life included 25 years with the General Electric Space Division and 10 years with Lucas Aerospace. Prior to that, he worked on installing star-tracking periscope systems on the George Washington class of nuclear submarines with the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics.

Kevin served proudly in the United States Navy for four years, including active duty in the Korean War. He was a graduate of the Indiana Institute of Technology and continued his education at Villanova University, Pennsylvania State University, Princeton University, and UNSEAD in France. He was a registered professional engineer and a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Astronautical Society, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Planetary Society, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Aerospace Industries Association.

As impressive as his resume was, Kevin never measured life by titles or accolades. He measured it in shared stories, early morning talks, long walks, beach days, projects in the workshop, and time spent teaching – whether that lesson involved engineering principles, life advice, or why the world needs a few idiots so the rest of us can look smart.

He was the son of Dr. Harold Speight and Virginia Burbage of Middletown, Connecticut. He is survived by his three children: Kevin and his wife, Vicki; Gregory Byron; and Tamara. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Jennifer and her husband Ricky; Allison and her husband Tayler; Andrew; and Rainer; and by his three great-grandchildren: Cameron; Caroline; and Carly. Each he taught the value of curiosity, humor, and problem-solving using patience, persistence, and a good sense of humor.

Kevin’s legacy lives on in space and sea —but even more so in the people who loved him, learned from him, and laughed with him. He leaves behind a family forever grateful for a life filled with stories, lessons, and love—and a man who proved you could engineer the extraordinary while still mastering the art of simply being there when you needed him.

A visitation will be held at John M. Taylor Funeral Home 147 Duke of Gloucester St, Annapolis, MD, 21401, on January 20, 2026, from 10:15 am to 10:45 am.

The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 1911 Forest Dr, Annapolis, MD, 21401