The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced the passing of Frank Carelli, former Director of Government Employees, on February 6, 2026. Carelli died at age 72 after a battle with lymphoma.
Carelli joined the IAM in 1977 and worked for more than 48 years in various roles supporting union members. He started as a Business Representative with IAM District 137 in Syracuse, New York, which later became part of District 157. Over his career, he held several leadership positions at the national level before retiring in 2015.
From 2001 to 2015, Carelli served as IAM Director of Government Employees. During this time, he helped rebuild and expand the union’s influence among federal workers. He played a significant role in affiliating the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) with the IAM and was a key figure in efforts to stop the National Security Personnel System, which preserved civil service protections for federal employees.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant said, “Frank Carelli represented the very best of our union. He dedicated his life to defending working people and strengthening our labor movement. His leadership, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the power of solidarity helped shape the IAM Union we know today. On behalf of our entire union, we extend our deepest condolences to Frank’s wife, Missy, his children, grandchildren, and all who loved him. His legacy will live on in the rights he helped protect and the lives he helped improve.”
Randy Erwin, NFFE-IAM National President added: “Frank Carelli was an excellent unionist, a valuable mentor, and an incredibly loveable person. Without Frank’s leadership and dedication, NFFE would not be where we are today. He deserves tremendous credit for the growth and success that our union has achieved since affiliating with the IAM. He worked tirelessly on behalf of federal workers, and I am proud to have stood alongside him for so many years. He will be deeply missed by NFFE and the entire labor movement.”
Carelli was recognized throughout his career for his advocacy work on Capitol Hill and his commitment to protecting workers’ rights as well as public service values.
He is survived by his wife Melissa “Missy,” children, grandchildren, extended family members and many friends within both IAM and broader labor circles.
