The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced the passing of Frank Carelli, former IAM Director of Government Employees, on February 6, 2026. Carelli died at age 72 after battling lymphoma.
Carelli joined the IAM in 1977 and served the union for more than 48 years. He began his work as a Business Representative with IAM District 137 in Syracuse, New York, later becoming part of District 157. Over his career, he moved into national leadership positions before retiring in 2015.
As IAM Director of Government Employees from 2001 to 2015, Carelli was involved in rebuilding and expanding the union’s presence among federal workers. He played a central role in affiliating the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) with IAM and was key in opposing the National Security Personnel System to maintain civil service protections for federal employees nationwide. He also mentored many current leaders within IAM and NFFE.
“Frank Carelli represented the very best of our union,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “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.”
NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin also recognized Carelli’s impact: “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.”
During his tenure, Carelli was noted for his advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill as well as his commitment to protecting workers’ rights and human rights within public service roles.
Carelli is survived by his wife Melissa “Missy,” their children and grandchildren, extended family members, friends, and colleagues across both unions.
