Top aide to gov, 70
Zambelli worked on Andy reelex while fighting cancer
ALBANY — Andrew Zambelli, who served as a top aide to Govs. Mario and Andrew Cuomo, died Friday. He was 70.
There was no immediate cause of death given, but those close to him said Zambelli (photo) had been battling cancer in recent months.
Zambelli served in Gov. Mario Cuomo’s administration from 1985 to 1994, including as secretary to the governor, the administration’s highest position, from 1991 to 1994.
He came to the Cuomo administration after working for Lt. Gov. Alfred DelBello, who won despite not being Cuomo’s choice for his runningmate. DelBello quit midterm after being frozen out by Cuomo. But Zambelli struck up a friendship with Cuomo’s son and adviser, Andrew.
After Mario Cuomo lost to George Pataki in 1994, Zambelli spent 15 years as a consultant to corporate, political and nonprofit clients.
He returned to government service in 2011 after Andrew Cuomo was elected governor.
Zambelli joined the younger Cuomo’s administration as a policy and communications adviser. He served as a counselor to the governor before leaving early in Cuomo’s second term in 2015.
Despite battling cancer, Zambelli was involved in Cuomo’s reelection campaign this year.
“Today we mourn the loss of a great public servant, a brilliant political mind and our dear friend Drew Zambelli, who died (Friday) morning,” Cuomo said.
Cuomo called Zambelli, his friend of more than 35 years, “more than just an adviser to my father and me — he was part of our family.”
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, son Drew and daughter Katie.