Daniel J. Ledoux, of Melrose, died unexpectedly on August 14, 2017 at the age of 60. Dan was born in Tripoli, Libya on April 18, 1957, was raised in Melrose, and attended the Lincoln Elementary School and a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1975. He went on to attend Salem State College, University of Hawaii, Oregon State University, Bunker Hill Community College and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. He was a Merchant marine licensed chief engineer unlimited. In 1976 he joined U.S. Navy and served his country with pride from 1976-1982. After his discharge he worked at Draper Labs in Cambridge, the National Science Foundation in the South Pole, Burgee Electronic in St. Maarten, at Sir Francis Drake and at A&M Marine Electronics both in Florida. Mr. Ledoux had a passion for the ocean and joined Green Peace in 2000: serving on the Arctic Sunrise Vessel which landed him on the front page of the newspaper in Portajuale, he also was on many vessels form 2001-2014; the Esperenza, Knorr, Hercules, Wecona, Excellence, Kilo Moana, Melville, Davidson, Transpacific Tanker, Mary Sears, Green Ridge, Gilliland, Green Dale, Green Cove, Green Lake, Green Ridge and ended his career on the Washington Express. Throughout his life Dan visited numerous countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Malta, Egypt, Chili, Russia, traveled thru the Panama Canal, crossed the international Date line numerous times, the Arctic Circle as well as many other beautiful locations across the world. Dan was a member of the Melrose Elks Club and loved fishing, reading, skiing, camping, hockey, scuba diving and photography. He was a longtime Melrose resident, was very outgoing and had a "Big Heart". He enjoyed talking to people and was an avid Boston sports fan. Dan was the beloved son of Mary T. (Sullivan) Ledoux of Melrose & the late Raymond G. Ledoux. Loving brother of Mark R. Ledoux & his wife Dorothy of Utah, Julie M. O'Hara & her husband James of Pembroke, Catherine M. McCarthy of Melrose, Maura K. Goodhue & her husband Frank of Windham, NH and the late Susan M. Ledoux. Also survived by 9 nieces & nephews, 4 grand nieces & nephews and many relatives & friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Sunday, August 20th from 1-5 PM. Funeral procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Monday, August 21st at 8:45AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church, 9 Herbert St. Melrose, at 10:00AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dan's memory to the charity of your choice.