Donald Forbes

Donald "Don" Forbes, born in Kingston, Jamaica, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026 — Valentine's Day — surrounded by family and wrapped in the love he had spent a lifetime giving.

Don was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, before leaving the island to attend Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering in 1965. In 1963, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Norma Joy Lodge, also from Kingston, a partnership that would span more than 62 years. The post-graduation plan was to return to Jamaica; however, Don received a job offer in Detroit, Michigan and the United States became his home from that day forward. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Nova Contracting Corporation, where he built a reputation for integrity and excellence.

Don had a full life outside of work. He loved photography, yachting, lively house parties and watching American football with unwavering focus. He traveled widely — Japan, Europe, Hawaii — and always found his way back to Jamaica, the island that never left his heart.

From Kingston to Fort Wayne to Detroit, Don built a life across oceans and generations. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, loyalty, laughter, and love. Though he was one man, his strength, resilience, and impact were mighty. His story spans continents, but his heart always knew its home.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Joy Lodge, his daughter, Dr. Michelle Ocasio and her husband Angel Luis; his sons, Marc Forbes and Dr. Michael Forbes; his daughter, Monique Forbes Dickerson and her husband Rollin Bernard; his grandchildren, Roman Forbes and Marley Love; his sister, Patsy Sang; and his brothers, Julio Forbes and Ricardo Forbes.

A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Tyrone. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service on Friday, at the church.

Services can be viewed here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81515836181?pwd=jniUaaJJ6OADVzzjhqWKM3wNHqTwCV.1
Meeting ID: 815 1583 6181
Passcode: 838793

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Donald "Don" Forbes. Please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.

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