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 over 48 years working for labor rights. He started as a Business Representative with IAM District 137 in Syracuse, New York, later part of District 157. His career included key national leadership roles until his retirement in 2015.
From 2001 to 2015, Carelli served as IAM Director of Government Employees. During this time, he helped rebuild and grow the union’s presence among federal workers. He was important in affiliating the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) with the IAM and played a leading role in stopping the National Security Personnel System, which threatened civil service protections for federal employees. Carelli also mentored many union leaders throughout his career.
“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.”
Carelli was known for advocating for workers’ rights on Capitol Hill and providing guidance within both IAM and NFFE communities.
He is survived by his wife Melissa “Missy,” their children and grandchildren, extended family members, friends, and colleagues from across both unions.
