Pictured is a Johnny’s Mafia sign. Johnny’s Mafia, inspired by Johnny LaMancuso, has been a regular sight in Jamestown as the 10-year-old fought Ewing sarcoma.

For the second time this year the Fletcher Elementary School community is mourning the loss of a student.

Johnny LaMancuso, 10, passed away early Wednesday morning in his home after a lengthy battle with Ewing sarcoma. Johnny was the son of John and Gillian LaMancuso of Jamestown.

“This loss is deeply felt within the Fletcher Elementary School community and across our district,” said Dr. Kevin Whitaker, Jamestown Public Schools superintendent, in a message to parents late Wednesday afternoon. “Johnny will be remembered for his kindness, positivity and the impact he had on those around him. Our hearts are with his family. … Our thoughts are with Johnny’s family and all who knew him during this incredibly difficult time.”

The school was making counseling and support services available at the school Thursday for students and staff. The district also made resources available to parents to use at home with their children.

Johnny’s Mafia shirts and stickers have been a common sight over the past few years in the Jamestown area, and there have been dozens of fundraisers, benefits and efforts to simply support the LaMancuso family since Johnny’s diagnosis.

Jamestown police officers recently shaved their heads as a show of support for LaMancuso. “And maybe, you know, if we can put a smile on his face, it would probably be, hopefully, one highlight of his day, depending on what kind of day he’s having, but anything we can do to help him,” Weaver said.

The Persell Middle School Student Council recently hosted a March Madness Cash for a Cause that brought together students in fifth through eighth grades to compete in a bracket-style challenge to see which grade could raise the most money. The proceeds – $2,635 – went to support Johnny Lamancuso and his family.

The Jamestown High School varsity football team’s helmets boasted “JL 17” stickers on the back of their helmets to honor Johnny LaMancuso, one of their biggest fans. Red & Green head coach Tom Langworthy wanted to do something to provide a pick-me-up for the Josh Allen-loving, Jamestown football fanatic.

“Many of us know the LaMancuso family, and John (Jamestown Class of 2004) played quarterback here for Coach (Wally) Huckno,” Langworthy said after a November practice in the Jefferson Middle School gym. “This summer I coached Johnny in the flag football league at Southwestern (Central School). I enjoyed meeting him and having him play on the team. He did a good job, he played outside linebacker and ran the ball a little bit for us.”

Tributes to Johnny were prevalent on social media Wednesday night and Thursday from teachers, the local midget football community and people who had never met Johnny but drew inspiration from his fight. Among them was Culture Care Senior Living.

“Many of our residents and team members had personal connections with Johnny and his family,” the organization said in a Facebook post. “They followed his journey, prayed for him, and stood beside them through it all. His strength, his spirit, and his ability to keep smiling through unimaginable circumstances inspired so many of us.He showed courage in the face of fear. He chose kindness over bitterness. He never gave up. He cared deeply for others, even while he was hurting. And through it all, he held onto his faith. Johnny was, and always will be, an inspiration.

We stand with the LaMancuso family during this unthinkable time.”