Frank Zeoli is a proud third-generation Italian American whose family history is deeply rooted in the City of Albany and whose passion for preserving Italian American culture and traditions has become a defining part of his life. Through his leadership, community involvement, and unwavering dedication to the Italian American Community Center, Frank continues to honor the generations who came before him while working to ensure that their rich heritage lives on for generations to come.
Frank's Italian ancestry traces back to the beautiful regions of Calabria and Campania in southern Italy. His maternal great-grandmother was born in Gimigliano, Calabria, while his maternal great-grandfather came from the neighboring town of Albi. On his father's side, his paternal great-grandparents emigrated from the small town of Santa Croce del Sannio in the Province of Benevento. These ancestral connections have instilled in Frank a deep appreciation for the sacrifices, traditions, and values of the Italian immigrants who came to America seeking a better life for themselves and their families.
Born and raised in the City of Albany, Frank proudly graduated from Albany High School. He went on to pursue his interest in the culinary and hospitality industries, studying Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management and earning his degree from SUNY Schenectady. His education reflects an appreciation for food, hospitality, and the traditions of bringing people together, values that are central to Italian American culture.
Professionally, Frank has dedicated his career to public service and currently serves as Executive Deputy Commissioner of the City of Albany Department of General Services. In this leadership role, he contributes to the essential services that support the city's neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life.
Frank and his wife, Nancy, are the proud parents of their son, Michael, who has spent many summers working in the IACC pavilion. For Frank, seeing his own family involved in the club is especially meaningful, as it represents the continuation of the traditions and sense of community that have been passed down through generations.
Frank's love for the Italian American Community Center is evident in the countless hours he devotes to its success. Over the years, he has taken an active leadership role in organizing and chairing numerous events, cultural programs, and celebrations that bring members and families together. His enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to preserving Italian American heritage have helped strengthen the organization and ensure that its traditions remain a vibrant part of the community.
Having previously served as President of the Italian American Community Center, Frank continues to lead as President of the IACC Foundation. Through these roles, he has worked to advance the organization's mission to celebrate, preserve, and promote Italian culture and heritage, while creating opportunities for future generations to connect with their ancestral roots.
For Frank, his involvement with the IACC is deeply personal. He believes that Italian American heritage is not simply something to remember or celebrate once a year, but something to live and share every day. Whether organizing a cultural celebration, participating in a club event, or gathering with friends and family, he sees each occasion as an opportunity to honor the generations who helped shape his life.
As Frank often says, every time he participates in one of the many activities or programs at the IACC, he honors his grandparents and keeps their spirit alive.
