Delbert Edwin Ferraris

Delbert Edwin (Halfmoon) Ferraris
May 28, 1987 – May 3, 2026

Delbert Edwin (Halfmoon) Ferraris was born on May 28, 1987, in Pendleton, Oregon, and passed away on May 3, 2026, in his hometown. He was a proud member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Delbert attended Rite of Passage school in Nevada and later Chemawa Indian Boarding School in Salem, Oregon, where he met his longtime partner, Janet Gibson. Together they shared and welcomed a son, Joseph Halfmoon, who was the joy of Delbert’s life.

Delbert later attended trade school at Salish Kootenai College in Montana, where he studied to be a heavy equipment operator with a focus on Commercial Driving. He also briefly attended school in Chicago where he studied steel welding. He went on to work various jobs as a laborer.

An active person from an early age, Delbert valued fitness and staying strong, both physically and mentally. He played football. He trained in Jui Jitsu and wrestling at St. Andrews. He was known as a happy‑go‑lucky soul with a generous spirit. Delbert helped whenever he could and never hesitated to stand up for those who could not stand up for themselves. At his best, he was warm, kind‑hearted, thoughtful, and fiercely loyal to the people he loved.

Delbert was the grandson of Louis “Tony” and Rosaline (Shillal) Van Pelt (maternal) and Carolyn Halfmoon (paternal). He is preceded in death by his mother, Jacqueline Phyllis Van Pelt; his father, Michael Joseph Halfmoon (Ferraris); and his sisters, Marsha Lynne Halfmoon and Karla Marilee Halfmoon.

He is survived by his son, Joseph Halfmoon; his brothers, Jake Ferraris (Halfmoon) and Robert Van Pelt; his nieces Leah Van Pelt and Sophie Van Pelt; his nephew Quention Van Pelt; and his significant other, Brycee Bear. Delbert will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.