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, at the age of 72 after a battle with lymphoma.
Carelli began his involvement with the IAM in 1977 and spent more than 48 years supporting union members. He started 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. In this role, he was key to rebuilding and expanding the union’s influence among federal workers. He played an important part in affiliating the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) with the IAM and helped defeat the National Security Personnel System, which preserved core civil service protections for federal employees across the United States. Carelli also mentored many current leaders within both organizations.
“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 career, Carelli was recognized for his advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and commitment to worker rights within public service roles.
Carelli is survived by his wife Melissa “Missy,” their children and grandchildren, as well as extended family members and friends from across both unions.
