Senator Nozzolio was born and raised in Seneca Falls, the son of Anna and Albert F. Nozzolio. Senator Nozzolio and his wife, Rosemary, live in Seneca County.
Educated in local schools, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations and a Master's degree in Public Administration and Agricultural Economics from Cornell University. Senator Nozzolio also earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Syracuse University College of Law.
Senator Nozzolio is currently Chairman of the New York State Senate Codes Committee, as well as Majority Whip of the Senate. The Codes Committee is one of the most important and active committees in the State Senate and considers issues and legislation relating to New York’s criminal and civil justice system. He is also a member of both the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Rules Committee, which have jurisdiction over the State budget and all legislation before the State Senate. He is also the senior Senator representing the Monroe County delegation in the New York State Senate.
Prior to his election to the New York State Senate, Senator Nozzolio served for 10 years in the New York State Assembly representing Cayuga, Seneca and Wayne Counties. During his tenure in the Assembly, he was chosen to serve as Deputy Minority Leader. At the time, he was the youngest State legislator ever elected from his region. Senator Nozzolio also served as a JAG officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve and is currently a Commander in the New York Naval Militia.
As the State Senator representing the 54th District, Senator Nozzolio has received numerous awards for his commitment to job creation and economic development, including honors from the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Business Council of New York, the New York Farm Bureau “Circle of Friends” Award, and the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce.
Senator Nozzolio was the recipient of the prestigious Jerome Alpern Distinguished Alumni Award from the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a Cornell University alumnus. Senator Nozzolio has also been awarded the Father Joseph P. Beatini Memorial Award for his service to the Seneca Falls community. Senator Nozzolio also received an Honorary Degree from the New York Chiropractic College. In recognition of his tireless efforts on behalf of the Finger Lakes region and leadership in the creation of the Finger Lakes Institute, Senator Nozzolio received an Honorary Degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
During his service in the Legislature , Senator Nozzolio has been honored by numerous organizations, including The Finger Lakes Library Association, Smith Center for the Arts, New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, SCOPE, Boy Scouts of America, Knights of Columbus, Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, and The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association. Senator Nozzolio currently serves as a member of the Cornell University Council and is a board member Emeritus of the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park and the Seneca Falls Historical Society.
Senator Nozzolio also previously served as a member of the National Women's Hall of Fame Board of Directors. Senator Nozzolio is also a member of the First Niagara Bank Citizens Advisory Board. Senator Nozzolio has been honored by the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services with their organizations “Public Policy Leadership Award”, in recognition of his efforts on behalf of individuals with psychiatric disabilities and his sponsorship of legislation to make New York’s prisons safer. The New York State Association for Behavior Analysis also named Senator Nozzolio “Legislator of the Year”, in recognition of his service and continuing support for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Standing Committee Assignments: Codes (Chair); Finance; Rules; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction; Elections; Housing, Construction and Community Development; Investigations and Government Operations; Judiciary; Racing, Gaming and Wagering; and Transportation.