A Penn Township boy who received the love and support of the community in his battle against acute Myeloid leukemia has died.

Rocco Joseph Monteleone, 2, the son of Brandon and Michelle Monteleone, died Sunday, according to an obituary released by the family. He had been diagnosed with leukemia Dec. 30. He was being treated at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Neighbors, community members and family friends joined forces since the diagnosis to create Rocco’s Warriors, which was dedicated to raising money to help the family through the boy’s illness. Another fundraiser was planned for April 19.

The family described Rocco as a “happy little boy, funny and so kind.” He loved Daniel Tiger and Elmo and wrote his own lyrics to an original “Elmo” song. He also loved to sing and dance, read books, and play with Play-Doh and bubbles.

Last week, WWE wrestlers Roman Reigns, who has dealt with leukemia and announced recently he is in remission, Natalya and Seth Rollins visited Rocco at Children’s.

Family and friends will be received from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Jobe Funeral Home, 445 Beatty Road, Monroeville. A Blessing service will be held Thursday in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Westmoreland County, P.O. Box 1552, Greensburg, PA 15601, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 333 E. Carson St., Suite 441, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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