Thomas J. McHale, 79, of Bethlehem, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018. He was born on August 24, 1938, the son of the late Helen (Gribbin) and Dr. Thomas B. McHale. He was the loving husband of Ann (Belgrasch) McHale. Tom was a proud graduate of Central Catholic High School and being a member of the 1956 State Champion Basketball team. He attended Villanova University and graduated from Moravian College. Tom proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. Tom started his insurance career working for the Travelers Insurance Company and was manager of their John Street office in New York City while he was living in White Plains, NY. In 1969, he came back to Bethlehem and started his own insurance agency retiring from the insurance business in 2015. During his many years in the insurance business, he was a member of Rotary, CIC (Coffee Investors Club) and the Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Bethlehem Club, serving several terms as President of their Board of Directors. Tom was a member of Saucon Valley Country Club for 54 years where he had a hole in one in 1993 on the 4th hole of the Old Course. He won the 1970 Spring Handicap tournament, and placed as the 4th flight runner up in the 1963 Spring Handicap tournament. He also served on the Club's Men Golf Committee. Tom was a lifelong Red Sox and Eagles fan. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 31 Years, Ann McHale; stepdaughters, Kerri Dougherty (Michael) and Jodi Ruggiero (Gregory); 5 step grandchildren, Ian, Gavin and Emerson Dougherty and MacKenzy and Piper Ruggiero and his brother, John McHale. He was preceded in death by his sister, MaryFrances McHale. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from 6-8 P.M. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Another viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 9-10 A.M. at St. Ursula Church, 1300 Broadway, Fountain Hill, PA 18015, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 A.M. at St. Ursula Church. Burial will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery. Condolences may be offered online at www.connellfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Call on Mar. 19, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas McHale

Sponsored by Connell Funeral Home, Inc..

17 Entries

Caroline Byrnes

March 14, 2024

Dear John and Shannon,

Memories will last forever in my heart with your family. Such happiness to my heart. My prayers and love to all the family. God bless you with prayers and love.

Love,
Caroline Fisher-Byrnes

Tommy Zito

March 13, 2019

Ann,just a nice rememberance of both of you watching me entertain at the Bethlehem Club...I really had no idea Tom was such a well-rounded and respected man.How it can be a year already is amazing....stop by when you can to reminisce..

Michael Solomon

March 25, 2018

Dear Ann, I just learned of Tom's passing and extend my heartfelt condolences. I will always remember the many, many good times at the Bethlehem Club in which Tom's wit, insight and good humor were in full form. To debate, discuss and disseminate the world with Tom is something I still miss. May the Irish angels welcome him with glorious tunes...rest in peace

Peace, Love and Understanding

David

March 23, 2018

Farewell

caroline byrnes

March 21, 2018

Dearest Family of Tom,,

My heartfelt sympathy is felt for all
of you ,, Tom was the brother of my dearest friend Mary Frances , Tom was the alter boy as well as John, in my wedding ,, I dubbed John a name which I won't embarrass him with lol ,,,oh how I loved the red headed freckled face ,,I have lost contact with all of you since moving to Indiana , but never lost contact with my heart's feeling of LOVE for all of you
Shannon and John feel the love my heart feels for you as well as you
dear Ann ,
losing my own husband and son ,a sword in one's heart ,, but faith sustains us knowing they have gone to a better place .

Feel the love and sympathy that reaches out to you,,,
love forever ,,, with a prayer and a hug
Caroline Fischer Byrnes

Rick and Melissa Oravec

March 21, 2018

Ann
So sorry for your loss. Tom was always wonderful and so kind to us. Love to you and your family.

Sally Haddad

March 20, 2018

Ann, so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I am so lucky to have met you and Tom, he was so kind and sweet. I would always look forward to seeing you guys at the casino. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

annette yatko

March 20, 2018

Ann, John and I send our deepest sympathy to you and
your family on the passing of Tom. He was such a kind person.
I could still see Tom talking TOMATOES on my sisters porch when Roseto had the BIG TIME and you were up visiting. I am sure he
will have a wonderful garden in Heaven. John and Annette Yatko

March 20, 2018

Ann and family:

So sorry to learn of Tom's passing. Please accept our condolences.

Mike and Karen Applegate

AILEEN ALTAGRACIA

March 20, 2018

May the Lord give you strength through this difficult time. In thoughts and prayers.

Justin McCarthy

March 19, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of
sorrow.

Bill and Tish Hornbaker

March 19, 2018

Very sorry to hear Tom has passed away...our condolences to the McHale Family

Donna and Bill Nagy

March 19, 2018

We are so sorry to hear that Tom has passed away. Our sincere condolences and prayers are with you and your family. Know he will be watching over you and your family. God be with you and your family.

Sergeant Major (E-9) Larry E. & Mrs. Sheila M. liams, US Army/ Retired

March 19, 2018

Sir,
I did not know you personally, however I would very much like to "Thank You" for your dedicated and honorable Military Service to OUR country.
At a later date we will meet in that "SPECIAL PLACE" which GOD reserves for ALL of those who have stepped forward to serve their country in a Military Uniform.
May ALL of GOD'S blessings fall upon your dear family!

SALLY AND RICH UHLER

March 19, 2018

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

March 19, 2018

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tommy and Jan Zito

March 19, 2018

our sincere condolences to the McHale family..The times entertaining for Tom and Ann were special

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas McHale's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas McHale

Mar

Viewing

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Connell Funeral Home, Inc.

245 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018

Mar

Viewing

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

St. Ursula Church

1300 Broadway, Fountain Hill, PA

Mar

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

St. Ursula Church

1300 Broadway, Fountain Hill, PA

Funeral services provided by:

Connell Funeral Home, Inc.

245 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018

How to support Thomas's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Tommy McLain (1940–2025), swamp pop singer known for Sweet Dreams

Wallis Annenberg (1939–2025), noted California philanthropist

Ryne Sandberg (1959–2025), Chicago Cubs’ star second baseman

Marlene Warfield (1941–2025), actress in Network, Maude

More ways to support the family

Visit the Sympathy Shop

Show your sympathy by sending flowers.

Send Your Arrangement

Plant a tree in memory of Thomas.

Choose Your Tree

Dedicate a star in Thomas's name.

Name a Star

Donate to charity in honor of Thomas.

Make a Donation

Thomas J. McHale

BORN