Joe graduated from the University of Iowa and majored in English and writing, while Anthony graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and majored in business before switching to English. Their paternal and maternal families emigrated from Sicily and Abruzzo, respectively, fleeing poverty and settling in Ohio to work its steel mills. Their parents were both of Italian descent. Anthony Russo (born February 3, 1970) and Joseph Russo (born July 18, 1971) were born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, the sons of Patricia Gallupoli and attorney and judge Basil Russo.
