GILBERT ANTHONY PINTO HALLOMAN  VINEYARD HAVEN - 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, he was the son of Malvina “Molly” (Delgado) Martin of New Bedford and the late John A. Pinto; he had lived in Martha’s Vineyard for the past 12 years. He was a self-employed automobile mechanic and served as a New Bedford police officer for a short time. Mr. Pinto Halloman was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War 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, Army Commendation, Good Conduct and National Defense Service medals, 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. He 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; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and cousins. He was the brother of the late Daniel Halloman and stepson of the late Everett J. Martin. His funeral Mass will be at 9 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, New Bedford. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford |