It is with deep sorrow that we note the passing of Gregory Michael Sarlo, PsyD, who died in the early hours of June 17, 2026, following a courageous six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61 years old.
Gregory held the role of president of APA Division 44, the Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, in 2023–24. Before his role as president, Gregory organized the annual fundraising dinner for Division 44; it was held during the APA convention for a number of years before and after the COVID-19 lockdowns. He valued any opportunity for the members and friends of this division to come together and enjoy each others’ company, and sought any opportunity to give back to the division, which had a special place in his heart.
Sarlo is also the recipient of the 2026 Division 44 Armand Cerbone Lifetime Contribution Award. The award recognizes individuals who have a long history of active contributions to the life of Division 44, providing exceptional service to our division.
An Illinois licensed clinical psychologist, Sarlo was the founder, clinical director, and director of Training of Psychological Consultations, a group practice in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. He worked with LGBTQ communities since 1987 – a commitment that defined his career and shaped his enduring contributions to the field.
Gregory was recently honored by a resolution of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. The board is the governing legislative body for Cook County, Illinois, the county where Chicago is located. “The Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize June 2026 as Sarlo Pride Month in honor of his legacy of integrity, advocacy, and care for all those he has worked with and served over the course of his lifetime; and be it further resolved that Sarlo's legacy of care and attention in psychology will live on through his loving husband Daniel Brewer, PhD.”
Sarlo’s professional footprint was extraordinary in its breadth. He served as president of the Illinois Psychological Association (IPA) from 2008–09 and again from 2010–11. He was also chief of psychology and a member of the medical staff at Lutheran General Hospital, where he co-chaired the Ethics Committee.
His dedication to training the next generation of psychologists was among his most lasting legacies. As founding clinical director of IPAPIC – the IPA’s internship consortium – he worked tirelessly to expand placement opportunities for psychology graduate students across Illinois. He was the recipient of the Jennifer Manfre, PsyD. Award for Outstanding Service to Graduate Students in Illinois and the Distinguished Illinois Psychologist Award.
Beyond the consulting room and the classroom, Sarlo devoted himself to his community. For fifteen years he served on the Des Plaines public library board of trustees – thirteen of them as president – shepherding more than $4 million in donations and overseeing significant expansions of the library’s programs and facilities. Mayor Goczkowski honored Gregory on Monday, June 15, 2026 by declaring Gregory Sarlo, PhD, Recognition Day in Des Plaines at the city council meeting at city hall.
He is survived by his husband and longtime business partner, Danny Brewer, PhD.
Sarlo gave generously of his expertise, his time, and himself. Our field is richer for his life’s work, and poorer for his absence. He will be deeply missed.
Executive Committee of Division 44