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, who was 72, died after a battle with lymphoma.
Carelli joined the IAM in 1977 and dedicated more than four decades to union work. He started as a Business Representative with 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.
As Director of Government Employees from 2001 to 2015, Carelli led efforts to rebuild and expand the IAM’s influence among federal workers. He played a significant role in affiliating the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) with the IAM and contributed to defeating 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.”
NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin 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 for his advocacy on Capitol Hill as well as his commitment to workers’ rights and public service throughout his tenure.
He is survived by his wife Melissa “Missy,” their children and grandchildren, extended family members as well as friends across both unions.
