The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is mourning the death of Frank Carelli, former Director of Government Employees. Carelli died on February 6, 2026, after a battle with lymphoma at the age of 72.
Carelli joined the IAM in 1977 and dedicated more than four decades to supporting workers. He began his union career as a Business Representative with IAM District 137 in Syracuse, New York. After District 137 merged into District 157, he continued to serve in leadership positions at the national level until his retirement 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 influence among federal employees. He played an important role in affiliating the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) with the IAM and was a leader in efforts that led to defeating the National Security Personnel System. This effort protected civil service rights for federal workers across the country. 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.”
Throughout his tenure, Carelli was known for advocating on Capitol Hill for workers’ rights and public service protections.
He is survived by his wife Melissa “Missy,” their children and grandchildren, as well as extended family members and colleagues throughout both unions.
