Dr. Wesley Thomas Forbes, Sr.

Beloved Husband, Father, Educator, Musician, Leader, and Friend

Dr. Wesley T. Forbes, Sr.—a beloved and kind-hearted educator, faithful mentor, accomplished psychologist, and inspirational community leader—passed away peacefully at his home in Fresno CA on Saturday June 21, 2025, at the age of 86. Resilient, generous, and wise, he was a devoted family man, a trailblazer in education, mental health, and stood as a guiding light to many. This remarkable man leaves behind a profound legacy that will shine for years to come.

Early Life and Education

Born on May 1, 1939 to Lewis and Marjorie C. (Thomas) Forbes and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Wesley’s compassion and leadership were evident from a young age. He graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1958, where his academic and creative talents began to shine.

Wesley’s dedication to education took him across the country to earn degrees from some of the nation's most prestigious institutions:

• Franconia College, B.A. in Human Service Administration, Summa Cum Laude, 1977

• Harvard University, M.Ed. in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy, Magna Cum Laude, 1975

• University of Connecticut, MSW in Psychiatric Group Work, Magna Cum Laude, 1978

• University of Massachusetts, Ed.D. in Clinical/Educational Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, 1983

His intellectual brilliance was paired with a lifelong belief in learning as a transformative force for individuals and communities.

A Musical Beginning

Long before he would become a nationally respected educator and psychologist, Wesley captured hearts with his voice. As a teenager, he was the lead singer in The Starlarks, a doo-wop group formed with friends from Hillhouse High School: Gordon Henry, Richie Freeman, Fred Paris, and Joe Bash. At just 17 years old, the group recorded “Fountain of Love / Send Me a Picture Baby,” which sold 2,500 copies in five months in the New Haven area. Managed by local broadcaster Joel Alderman, they later recorded the local hit “Heavenly Father / My Dear,” which reached No. 8 on local charts.

Notably, Wesley was one of the original members of The Five Satins when the iconic song "In the Still of the Night" was recorded. This enduring classic was released in 1956, reaching #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and #3 on the R&B charts. The song was re-released in 1960 and 1961, charting both times. His contributions to this pivotal doo-wop group are a cherished part of his early history. Wes would go on to perform with The New Yorkers and The Wildwoods, leaving an early legacy of creativity, harmony, and cultural expression. His love of music was a lifelong passion and a joyful reminder of his vibrant spirit.

Career and Achievements

Wesley’s professional journey was one of purpose and principle. He founded the Multi-Cultural Psycho-Educational Clinic—one of the first private, minority-owned clinics of its kind—and became a pillar in the psychology community through his work in field training, forensic psychology, and mental health assessment. He specialized in forensic work, providing psychological evaluations for courts and treatment to inmates.

At Alliant International University, he held various leadership roles, including Professor of Clinical Psychology, Director of Professional & Clinical Training, and Director of Clinical Training. He developed statewide training programs for doctoral students and forged landmark partnerships with institutions such as the California Department of Corrections, creating the Golden State Psychology Internship Consortium (GSPICA)—the largest of its kind in the U.S. He also established the Central California Psychology Internship Consortium Association (CCPICA) with fourteen agencies and thirty internship slots.

His commitment to education and social justice was evident through initiatives like Project SMILE (Students Making Improvement in Living and Education), an early intervention program for students, which secured significant funding and involved collaboration with California State University-Fresno and Fresno Unified School District. He was also an originator and co-author of an $8.6 million Title XX Proposal Grant, overseeing numerous projects for staff training and curriculum development.

He authored dozens of academic works, presented internationally, and chaired numerous doctoral dissertations, mentoring generations of students and empowering them to serve communities with compassion and cultural humility. His extensive consultations included work with the American Psychological Association, Yale University, and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Marriage and Family

Wesley was the devoted husband of Ginger Powell-Forbes, sharing a beautiful, enduring marriage built on love, laughter, and mutual support.

He was a loving father to his children from a previous marriage: Michael Gallyot, James Edward Murrell III, Wesley T. Forbes II, Shawn F. Forbes, George M. Grob, and Dorcas T. Forbes. Wesley guided them with tender strength and thoughtful wisdom.

He also embraced his step-children, Gigi Peeples, Lisa Powell-Lyles, Michael Powell, and Michelle Powell. As a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was present, protective, and proud. His family was his center, and their lives are brighter because of his unwavering love.

Community and Faith

Deeply rooted in faith and community, Wesley served through organizations such as the NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and the National Association of Black Psychologists. He was a faithful member of his church and generously offered his gifts to countless causes promoting justice, education, and healing. He co-founded youth centers, including the Training Research Institute for Residential Youth Centers, Inc. (TRI-RYC, Inc.), and was the originator of the first group home in Connecticut (UNO House). His efforts led to national recognition by the U.S. Department of Labor. He wrote national proposals, and championed multicultural understanding in clinical practice long before it was common. Whether mentoring a student or lifting a neighbor in need, he lived his values every day—with honesty, humility, and heart.

Dr. Forbes received numerous special honors throughout his life, including Psychologist of the Year Award from The Fresno Area of Psychological Association in 2006, "Man of the Year" awards from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award from the National Jaycees in 1975. He was also honored by having the Training Research Institute for Residential Youth Centers, Inc.'s second group home named Wesley T. Forbes House in New Haven, Connecticut.

A Life to Celebrate

Dr. Wesley T. Forbes, Sr., was beloved by all who knew him. He inspired others with his tireless work ethic, selfless service, and courageous truth-telling. He was a man of conviction who built bridges across disciplines and communities—always with kindness, always with purpose. His life was a song of perseverance, service, and love. Though we mourn his loss, we celebrate the indelible mark he leaves on the world. His voice—whether sung from a stage or spoken from a lectern—will echo through time.

"He who sings, prays twice." – St. Augustine

A memorial service to honor the life of Dr. Wesley T. Forbes, Sr. will be held on Saturday July 12, 2025, at 10:30 am at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E Nees Ave Fresno, CA. 93720. Interment/Burial will be a private family affair.