The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is mourning the death of Frank Carelli, former Director of Government Employees, who died on February 6, 2026, at age 72 after battling lymphoma.
Carelli joined the IAM in 1977 and spent more than 48 years serving union members. He started as a Business Representative with IAM District 137 in Syracuse, New York, which later merged into District 157. Over his career, he took on several leadership roles at the national level before retiring in 2015.
From 2001 to 2015, Carelli led as IAM Director of Government Employees. During this time, he was involved in rebuilding and expanding the union’s influence among federal workers. He played a significant part in affiliating the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) with IAM and was a key figure in efforts to defeat the National Security Personnel System, helping to protect civil service rights for federal employees nationwide. 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.”
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.”
Throughout his tenure, Carelli was recognized for his advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill as well as his commitment to workers’ rights and public service dignity.
He is survived by his wife Melissa “Missy,” their children and grandchildren, extended family members, friends, and colleagues throughout IAM and the broader labor community.
