High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Tom McHale (1941 - March 30, 1982) was an American novelist. His works include Principato, Farragan`s Retreat (nominated for the National Book Award), Alinsky`s Diamond, School Spirit, The Lady from Boston, and Dear Friends. He was born in Avoca, Pennsylvania and received an M.F.A. from the University of Iowa. He committed suicide in Florida in 1982.