Robert Thomas Daigler

December 22, 1945 - July 30, 2025

Professor Emeritus and Knight Ridder Center Research Professor of Finance, Florida International University

Dr. Robert Thomas Daigler, 79, of Cooper City, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025. Born on December 22, 1945, to Raymond and Josephine (Janas) Daigler, Robert dedicated his life to education, finance, and his beloved family.

Early Life and Education: Born in Lockport, New York, Bob was raised in nearby Burt, where his father, Raymond, was a skilled blacksmith, welder, and carpenter. After graduating from DeSales Catholic High School, he attended Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he participated in the Mathematics Club and earned a degree in Mathematics. A dedicated athlete, Bob played basketball and volleyball in high school and continued with basketball and track at Assumption College. He furthered his education by earning his MA in Finance and then PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from The University of Oklahoma in Norman.

Academic Career: Dr. Daigler began his teaching career at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, and continued at Memphis State University, where he became tenured faculty. In 1982, he joined the Department of Finance at Florida International University, where he served for 37 distinguished years. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Daigler was renowned for his rigorous research in derivatives, risk management, financial futures, and investments.

Scholarly Achievements: Dr. Daigler authored several widely respected texts, including Financial Futures and Options Markets, Financial Futures Markets, Advanced Options Trading, and Managing Risk with Financial Futures. He served on editorial boards for the Journal of Futures Markets and Derivatives Risk Management, and held leadership roles within academic associations such as the Eastern Finance Association. As a visiting scholar, he contributed his expertise to Stanford University, the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, and the Helsinki School of Economics and Business. His research consistently made significant contributions, with notable studies on the relationship between trader types and volatility in futures markets, intraday market behavior, and innovative hedging methodologies. His work remains influential in both academic and practitioner circles.

In 2019, Dr. Daigler was granted the honor of Professor Emeritus by the FIU College of Business in recognition of his distinguished service to the university.

Teaching Legacy: Dr. Daigler was a committed educator who challenged his students to think critically about complex financial instruments and market behavior. His dedication to instruction and mentorship shaped the careers of many graduates in finance and risk management, leaving a lasting impact on countless students who had the privilege of learning from him.

Personal Life: Bob was preceded in death by his loving partner, Susan Luck, whose passing in 2022 marked the end of a partnership that was a source of great joy and strength. A devoted sports fan, he was passionate about the University of Oklahoma Sooners, carrying his "Sooner pride" throughout his life. He also enjoyed traveling the world at every opportunity.

He is survived by his daughters, Wendy McCann and Shaina Bottfeld (Philip); his grandchildren, Ray McCann, Parker Bottfeld, and Benjamin Bottfeld; and his sister, Carol Vincent (Chris). Robert's family was the center of his world, and he found immense pride and happiness in watching his children and grandchildren grow and flourish.

Dr. Daigler will be remembered for his intellectual curiosity, scholarly contributions, unwavering dedication to his students, and his deep love for his family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he influenced both in the classroom and at home, and through his enduring contributions to the field of finance. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and former students.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.

Memorial Service A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Babione-Kraeer Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33432, on Monday, September 1, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Following the celebration of life, family and friends are invited to gather at a family member's home to share memories and continue honoring Dr. Daigler's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Dr. Daigler's name to the Department of Finance at FIU: https://business.fiu.edu/give/make-a-donation/