Robert J. "Bobby" Clemente passed away July 2nd at Dartmouth Health in New Hampshire surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was 67. Originally from Troy/Brunswick, NY, Bobby resided in Hartland, VT, with his wife Alicia Connors, who has stood steadfastly by his side for 15 years.

Bobby grew up in a big Italian American family, the second of six children born to Mary Ellen (née Rogers) and Frank A. Clemente, Sr., where there was always a whirlwind of activities, sporting events and family dinners. In addition to off-trail motorcycle trials riding, playing little league and playing guitar with his childhood band the Four Answers, Bobby found time to dote on his pets, especially his cat Marbles (who bore 49 kittens!). An altar boy at Our Lady of Victory Church, Bobby was a 1975 graduate of Troy High School and regent scholar who played four years on the varsity hockey team, where he was co-captain and the second leading scorer.

Bobby worked for the family business, Clemente Latham Concrete Corp., starting from the ground up, pulling weeds and changing truck tires as a teenager, moving on to become a mixer driver, a crane operator and then a plant manager. He also was the "Batch Man," mixing the concrete on Saturdays for decades. He was a member of the Teamsters union and the Operating Engineers union.

Bobby always strived to recreate the adventures of his childhood for his own children: he taught them to ski, skate, camp, and fish and to make pancakes, among many other endeavors. One of his favorite activities was cruising with his brood on beautiful Lake George at the helm of the family's 1964 wooden Chris Craft boat.

Bobby and Alicia knew each other from their neighborhood and grade school, and fortunately reconnected in 2010, quickly becoming true and loving soulmates. They enjoyed traveling; participating in volunteer service missions to South America and Africa, and vacationing in hot spots including the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Hawaii and Italy, where Bobby felt most aligned with his Italian heritage.

Bobby was a gentle man with a heart of gold. He was very kind and had a certain grace. He made a point of connecting with those who crossed his path. He was a charmer and a master of the one-liner. He knew how to tell a joke and was not afraid to be self-effacing. Good music, good food, family and friends were central to his happiness.

Bobby had a great smile and an incredible work ethic, qualities he passed on to his four grateful children: Nicole Zebrowski (Peter) of West Caldwell, NJ; Erin Cahill (Jered) of Troy, NY; Robert J. Clemente, Jr. (Sabina) of South Glens Falls, NY; and Rachel Clemente of Troy, NY.

He also leaves behind Alicia's children: Andres and Gabrielle Varela; nephews and nieces: Patrick Wright and Nina and Kyle Clemente; and his former wife, Beth Wright Clemente. Bobby is survived by two brothers (Frank and Paul), a sister (Maribeth) and numerous sisters- and brothers-in law. He was a beloved brother-in-law, especially to Roy and Lynne Wright.  Bobby was predeceased by his brothers, Philip and David.

One of his greatest joys was his grandchildren Darby and Jack Cahill, Vincenzo Clemente and Red Varela.

Bobby chose the life giving gift of donating his body after death.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bobby's life at events in New York state and Vermont. Services in Troy, NY, will be held on Wednesday, July 10, at 9am (wake) and 10am (service) with a reception to follow at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 175 Williams Road.

A gathering of friends and family also will be held on Saturday, July 13, beginning at noon at the home of Bobby and Alicia, 22 Mt. Hunger Road, Hartland, VT.

Please RSVP for both services to aliciaanneconnors@gmail.com

Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Trees and Seeds in Bridgewater, VT, and Partners for Andean Health, in Weatogue, CT.