Rocco Mastroserio was born in Staten Island, New York City, New York. He became interested in art as a child, and won medals in elementary-school art contests sponsored by the department store  Wanamaker's. Living with his family in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, he attended elementary school in that New York City borough, followed by the School of Industrial Art.
Rocco Mastroserio, who was born in Staten Island, New York City, developed an interest in art as a child and won awards for his artwork at Wanamaker's department store-sponsored contests while living in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. He attended elementary school there before going to the School of Industrial Art.