Troy DiClemente was the face of the next generation of entrepreneurs in town ~

The handsome, outgoing restaurant owner was living his dream, operating Tango Restaurant & Bar, an Italian restaurant "with an Argentinian flair" ~ The 24-year-old was killed in Mansfield Wednesday afternoon when, according to police, a car crossed the yellow line and struck DiClemente and his brother, Nyle, who were riding motorcycles ~

"He put his heart and soul into that restaurant with his father," said Evan Schwartz, one of DiClemente's good friends ~ "He wanted to follow his father's footsteps in being successful, but in his own way" ~

Friend Andrew Barillari said the Main Street restaurant will go on in DiClemente's name, and he urged people to visit Tango "not to grieve, but celebrate his life, because that is what he would want" ~

"He wouldn't want people grieving and moping about," Barillari said ~ "If this happened to one of us, he would be making us laugh and smile right now ~ He had the biggest heart, and Troy brought life to a party ~ He was a good-looking guy, and people who looked at him would glow and smile even if they were down in the dumps ~ He lived life to the fullest ~ Work was his life ~ He had two hardworking parents and they were a great family" ~

DiClemente spent his high school years at New York Military Academy before graduating from Ithaca College with a major in business and minor in law ~

"He was a great brother and great friend" ~

DiClemente's death saddened many in town, including members of the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce, who called DiClemente a "shining star of the young up-and-coming group of young entrepreneurs" ~

Chamber President Mary Ellen Dombroski said that DiClemente hosted the January "Business After Hours" program, and that chamber members were "deeply impressed and touched by the young man's passion" ~

"We were so thrilled to have him because he came to represent that next generation — something that is needed for our future growth," Dombroski said ~ "It is a tragedy to lose someone like that because he was loved not only by chamber members, but his family ~ He was a real gentleman, who came from a hard-working family ~

He really made that restaurant ~ It wasn't like he was given something ~ He earned it through his hard work and determination ~

Nyle DiClemente, 22, suffered leg injuries and was flown by Lifestar helicopter to St. Francis Hospital and will make a full recovery ~

REST IN PEACE TROY AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOVED♥

OBITUARY
Troy R. DiClemente, 24, of South Glastonbury, beloved son of Lorenzo and Johanna (Rotondo) DiClemente of South Glastonbury, died tragically on Wednesday, (March 17, 2010). Troy is also survived by his loving brother Nyle R. DiClemente, a senior at the University of Connecticut. Troy will forever be remembered for his deep loyalty and dear friendships. He was compassionate, loving and resolute in his beliefs and goals. Troy's beaming smile, vivacious manner and fun-loving approach made him a unique presence in any setting. Born in Hartford, Troy was a lifelong resident of Glastonbury. Troy was a determined businessman in recent years and student-athlete during his school days. He was proud graduate of the New York Military Academy, where he found success in lacrosse, football and wrestling. He graduated from Ithaca College School of Business in 2007 with a major in business and additional studies in law. Troy was well known to many as the owner and manager of Tango Italiano Restaurant & Bar on Main Street in Glastonbury. In addition to his parents and brother, Troy is survived by his paternal grandparents, Berardino and Olga (Cerini) DiClemente of Lake Worth, FL; his maternal grandparents, Alfred and Adela (DiCarlo) Rotondo of Rocky Hill. Troy is also survived by his uncles, Giacomo DiClemente, Anthony Rotondo and Donald Rotondo, and his cousin Lyle Rotondo. He survived by many other caring relatives across the U.S and in Italy. The funeral will be Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Paul's Church, 2577 Main Street, Glastonbury. Everyone is asked to go directly to church. Entombment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Ave. Hartford. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 2-8 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd, Wethersfield.

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FIRST ANGEL DAY:
It has been a year, our truly beloved son and brother, that you were so suddenly taken away from us and our worlds were forever changed. There is not a moment that goes by that we do not grieve for you. You are so missed by not only your family, but by the ones you truly called friends. Words cannot express the loss that we feel and how much we miss your beautiful smile, humor, honesty, wit, integrity, warmth, friendship, and most of all love. You are constantly in so many peoples' thoughts and it is unbelievable, Troy, the people that cry for you on a daily basis and keep you so close in their hearts. Your friends and our friends have been an incredible source of strength to our family, and have remembered us on holidays, your birthday, our birthdays and throughout this most difficult year. It is amazing the group of friends you've acquired throughout your short life. We are truly appreciative to everyone and I am sure that you are grateful to them, as well, for looking out for us and especially your brother. We are also so thankful to our wonderful family and friends for all they have done for our sons and us. We cannot begin to thank you for your support, friendship, flowers, gifts and the beautiful tokens that were given in honor of our beloved Troy. You will ALWAYS be truly loved "Foy" and never forgotten. With Everlasting Love, Momma, Pops, Nyle & Kada