The IAM Union mourns the loss of former IAM Director of Government Employees Frank Carelli, who passed away on Feb. 6, 2026, following a courageous battle with lymphoma. He was 72.
Initiated into the IAM in 1977, Carelli dedicated more than 48 years of his life to fighting for working people, serving the IAM Union and its members with distinction, integrity and unwavering commitment. He began his career as a Business Representative with IAM District 137 in Syracuse, N.Y., which later merged into District 157, and went on to serve in critical leadership roles at the national level. Carelli retired in 2015, leaving behind a legacy that continues to strengthen our union today.
As IAM Director of Government Employees from 2001 to 2015, Carelli played a pivotal role in rebuilding and expanding the IAM’s presence among federal workers. He was instrumental in successful affiliation of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) with the IAM and was a key leader in defeating the deeply flawed National Security Personnel System, protecting core civil service protections for federal employees nationwide. Carelli also served as a mentor and trusted advisor to countless IAM and NFFE leaders, helping shape the next generation of union advocates.
“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 known for his tireless advocacy on Capitol Hill, his sharp political insight, and his unwavering commitment to protecting workers’ rights, human rights, and the dignity of public service. His leadership helped secure lasting gains for IAM members and federal workers across the country.
Carelli is survived by his devoted wife, Melissa “Missy,” his children, grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends and colleagues across the IAM and the labor movement.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to the Lymphoma Research Foundation of America.
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