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 spent over 48 years working for labor rights. He began as a Business Representative with IAM 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.
From 2001 to 2015, Carelli served as IAM Director of Government Employees. In this role, he was key in expanding the union’s influence among federal workers. He helped bring about the affiliation between the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) and IAM and played a significant part in efforts to defeat the National Security Personnel System. This system had threatened core civil service protections for federal employees nationwide.
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 throughout his career for advocating on Capitol Hill for worker protections and public service dignity.
He is survived by his wife Melissa “Missy,” their children and grandchildren, as well as extended family members along with friends from across both unions.
