Chuck Zarriello has been well-known in the Albany area both as a community leader and volunteer. He served as Albany County Legislator from 1992 to 1994 and on the Colonie Town Board from 1995 to 1999. He was then appointed by Governor George Pataki to be the State Liquor Authority Commissioner.

Zarriello is past president of the Albany County Restaurant/Tavern Association and a past vice president of the State Restaurant/Tavern Association. He has been a member of the Fuller Road Fire Department since 1955 where he served as president.

Zarriello was a well-respected leader in many area organizations and in the community and was seen as a great communicator. Perhaps his best quality has been his ability to treat everyone fairly and get the job done in the most efficient manner.

In 1989, Zarriello survived serious health problems and, following this, he decided to get his EMT license in order to help others when they were injured or ill. He became a first responder with the Fuller Road Fire Department.