Gilbert Anthony Pinto Halloman, 56, of Vineyard Haven died Saturday July 16, 2005 at home after a long battle with diabetes.

Born and raised in New Bedford, the son of Malvina "Molly" (Delgado) Martin of New Bedford and the late John Anthony Pinto, he had lived in Martha's Vineyard for the past 12 years.

Mr. Pinto Halloman was a self-employed automobile mechanic. He had also served as a police officer for the City of New Bedford for a short time.

During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army as a member of "The Falcons", an elite helicopter crew. He was featured in the book "The Falcons" by Dominic Fino. He was awarded the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge, the Expert Qualification Badge with Auto Rifle Bar, the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, and the Aviation Badge.

Mr. Pinto Halloman was a member of the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association. He especially enjoyed NASCAR racing, baseball, and football.

Survivors include his mother; three sons, Tyrone Caswell and Ryan Mello, both of New Bedford and Damon Mello of Vineyard Haven; a daughter, Kristen Mello of New Bedford; two brothers, Leonard Pinto of North Dartmouth and Wayne Martin of New Bedford; three sisters, Cynthia Chumack and Renee Stevens, both of New Bedford, and Tammy Harris of Rochdale; two grandchildren, Destiny Caswell and Tyrone Caswell, Jr.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, including his special cousin Anthony A. Soares of New Bedford; and two great-nieces.

He was the brother of the late Daniel Halloman and stepson of the late Everett J. Martin.

Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Friday July 22, 2005 at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Thursday July 21, 2005 from 4-8 PM. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.