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 battling lymphoma.
Carelli joined the IAM in 1977 and worked for more than 48 years to support union members and working people. He began 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 was key in expanding the union’s influence among federal workers. He played a significant role in affiliating the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) with IAM and helped lead efforts against the National Security Personnel System. This work protected civil service rights for federal employees across the United States. Carelli also mentored many current 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 his advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill as well as his commitment to protecting worker rights and public service values.
He is survived by his wife Melissa “Missy,” children, grandchildren, extended family members, friends, colleagues at IAM, and others across the labor movement.
