Hugh Lester Forbes, Sr.'s Obituary
He was lovingly known as Great Grampa and Uncle Hugh, the original “father‑daddy man,” a title that spoke to the strength, care, and devotion he showed to his family.
He was born in Jamaica on July 19, 1929, in Barneyside, Bethel Town, Westmoreland. He was the youngest of six brothers and one sister. Hugh worked at National Dry Cleaning, where he met the love of his life, Pauline Forbes. In search of a better life, he later traveled to England, and in time he sent for Pauline. They were married in 1956.
On December 29, 1958, they welcomed their son, Hugh Lester Forbes Jr. Hugh later learned to play the tenor saxophone and began performing in bands, many of which he organized himself. Music became both his passion and a way to build a better future for his family.
Hugh worked hard and saved with hopes of returning to Jamaica, but when those plans did not work out, he and Pauline made plans to move to America. On April 24, 1973, they arrived in New York. Together, they worked tirelessly to improve their lives, first living in Brooklyn and later purchasing a home in Richmond Hill, Queens.
In the early 1980s, Hugh and Pauline purchased Tender Care Cleaners, which became the foundation of their family’s livelihood. He was a man who always did things his own way, continuously building and planning for the future.
In 2006, they moved to Florida to be closer to their three grandchildren and eight great‑grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply. Pauline passed away in 2021, and now Hugh joins her in peaceful rest.
He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, love, and family devotion that will live on through generations.
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