Joey (real name Jeffrey Hyman) did not respond to treatment for lymphatic cancer, a disease that attacks the body's ability to fight infection.
In the 70's, The Ramones were one of THE biggest punk bands, who had an influence on everyone and have had songs dedicated to them ever since from bands ranging from Helen Love to Sleater Kinney (who did the song 'I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone').
He will be sorely missed by the punk community and to fans alike... R.I.P Joey... and thank you.