The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) is deeply saddened to share that Former IAM Director of Government Employees Frank Carelli passed away on February 6, 2026 after a long battle with lymphoma.
Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Melissa “Missy” (Czarny); his daughters Lisa Romeo, Laura (Christopher) Carelli-Lobo, and Maria Carelli; his son Frank (Carrie) Carelli III; his sister Francine (Robert) Carducci; his granddaughters Cecilia Lobo, Sophia Lobo, and Amelia Romeo; his grandson Christian Romeo; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Frank led a long, distinguished career advocating in Washington, DC for workers’ rights and human rights with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). He was instrumental in NFFE’s successful affiliation with the IAM and served as a trusted mentor to many young professionals at NFFE, the IAM, and across the labor movement.
As Director of Government Employees, Frank played a pivotal role in reestablishing NFFE as a strong and influential union. He was also a key leader in defeating the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) in the late 2000s, a flawed “pay-for-performance” system that sought to bypass core civil service protections. Frank retired in 2015 after 38 years of dedicated service with the IAM Union.
“Frank Carelli was an excellent unionist, a valuable mentor, and an incredibly loveable person,” said NFFE 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.”