Basil Russo

Basil M. Russo (born March 10, 1947) is an American attorney, politician of the Democratic Party, and judge. He was majority leader of the Cleveland City Council. Later he served as a judge of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas and a judge of the Ohio's Eighth District Court of Appeals.

Russo served as managing partner of the law firm of Russo, Rosalina & Co, LPA from the firm's founding in 1978 until his retirement in 2014, except during the years he served on the bench. In 2014, Basil was elected as president of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America. He is the father of Anthony and Joe Russo, directors of several successful Marvel superhero films, Angela Russo-Otstot, Senior Vice President of Story at AGBO Films, and Gabriella Rosalina, Managing Partner of Russo, Rosalina & Co.

Early and personal life Russo is the son of the late State Rep. and Cleveland ward leader Anthony J. and Domenica "Donnie" Russo. He is married to Patricia Russo. He is of Italian descent.

Russo attended St. Peter Chanel High School and received an undergraduate degree from John Carroll University and his J.D. degree from the Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

Russo's two sons, Anthony and Joe, are Hollywood filmmakers, who are known for Welcome to Collinwood, You, Me and Dupree, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame and Cherry.