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 served for more than 48 years. He began as a Business Representative with 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 was IAM Director of Government Employees. During this period, he played a significant role in expanding the union’s influence among federal workers. He was involved in affiliating the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) with IAM and worked to defeat the National Security Personnel System to maintain 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 stated: “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 advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill as well as his commitment to protecting worker rights within public service roles.
He is survived by his wife Melissa “Missy,” children, grandchildren, extended family members as well as colleagues from across IAM and other unions.
