[6] During his teenage years, Halftown worked as a pinboy at a local bowling alley in Jamestown, New York.

Originally intended for a six-week series, his show went on to become the world's longest running children's program on local television.

[1] Sometime around 2001, Halftown relocated with his wife to Brigantine, New Jersey, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Diagnosed with diabetes, Halftown died in Brigantine from complications related to the disease on July 8, 2003.

Robert J. Fritz delivered the homily at his funeral at St. Thomas' church in Brigantine.