Joseph R. Crotti; State Aeronautics Director

Joseph R. Crotti, 71, former director of the California Department of Aeronautics. He was a strong advocate for civilian use of military air bases in California and throughout the West. Crotti served as aeronautics director under Govs. Ronald Reagan and Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown Jr. He also served for 15 years as Western regional representative for the 325,000-member Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assn. When he retired two months ago, the association honored him by creating the Joe Crotti Trophy for California General Aviation Advocacy. The award will be made annually to a Californian who carries forward Crotti’s advocacy of the most effective use of all airfields. On Tuesday in Sacramento.