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 spent more than 48 years working for labor rights. He started as a Business Representative with IAM District 137 in Syracuse, New York, which later merged into 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 presence among federal workers. He played a key role in affiliating the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) with the IAM and was instrumental in opposing the National Security Personnel System, which protected civil service rights for federal employees nationwide. Carelli also mentored many leaders within both 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.”
“Frank Carelli was an excellent unionist, a valuable mentor, and an incredibly loveable person,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “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 advocating on Capitol Hill and protecting workers’ rights as well as human rights within public service roles.
He is survived by his wife Melissa “Missy,” their children and grandchildren, extended family members, friends, and colleagues across both unions.
