|
Robert B. Feduniak passed away peacefully on the morning of March 16, 2026, in New York, New York, at the age of 79. Born on January 22, 1947, in San Francisco, he was raised in Southern California alongside his sister, JoAnn, under the loving guidance of their parents, William Feduniak and Mary Karmalski Feduniak.
Growing up in Claremont, Robert’s intellectual curiosity and aptitude for science were evident from an early age. He attended Stanford University, graduating in 1969 with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and physics. He continued his studies at University of California, Berkeley, earning a master’s degree in physics in 1971.
In 1972, Robert moved to New York City to begin a career in financial services. His strong analytical background proved invaluable in the rapidly evolving derivatives markets, where he became an early leader in applying quantitative expertise to financial risk management.
Robert built a distinguished career at Morgan Stanley. He served as a Managing Director from 1984 to 1995 and was a member of the firm’s Management Committee from 1986 to 1995. During his tenure, he founded Morgan Stanley’s commodities department, served as Chief Administration Officer, and became the firm’s first Head of Global Risk Management, helping establish practices that later became foundational across the financial industry.
He was widely respected throughout the financial community and served on numerous industry boards, including the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the Options Clearing Corporation, the Intermarket Clearing Corporation, and the Futures Industry Association. He also shared his knowledge of the markets as co-author of the book Futures Trading.
Robert and his wife, Maureen Feduniak, shared a devoted marriage following their wedding on April 18, 1998, in New York City. In later years, they made their home in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they were longtime residents and active supporters of their community.
A man of Catholic faith, Robert found meaning in tradition, family, and quiet reflection.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen, and their children:
• Alethea Wood (Duane Wood) of Staten Island, New York
• Laurinda Pook (Stephen Pook) of Lavallette, New Jersey
• Jefferson Pang (Tamara) of Brooklyn, New York
• Medwin Pang of Ellenville, New York
He was a proud grandfather to Briana Boussani (Yarin Boussani), Kayla Wood, Sean Wood (Karrington), Julianna Pook, Alexandra Pook, Kingsley Pang, Logan Pang, and Loki Pang, and great-grandfather to Ari Boussani, Noa Boussani, and Monroe Wood.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Feduniak and Mary Karmalski Feduniak, and his sister, JoAnn Bitting, wife of Rich Bitting.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Robert lived a thoughtful and engaged life. He especially loved spending the Christmas holidays surrounded by his family. His interests included recreational poker, golf, travel, and attending games as a season ticket holder for the Las Vegas Raiders. He had an appreciation for fine wines, particularly French Pinot Noirs. His gentle spirit and love for animals extended to rescuing several elderly dogs over the years. Those who knew him will remember his beautiful mind, generous soul, quiet sense of humor, and, above all, his deep devotion to Maureen.
Robert and Maureen were also dedicated philanthropists. In Las Vegas, they supported foster care children and championed healthcare services and medical research. In 2010, they established the David L. Guyton, M.D. and Feduniak Family Professorship in Ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, supporting continued advancement in ophthalmic care and research.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New York City on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Cremation will follow, with final resting at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Mary Manning Walsh Home.
Robert’s legacy lives on in the institutions he helped shape and the family he loved so deeply. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/new-york-ny/robert-feduniak-12795645
|
Stephen Self (1965)
Bob was one of my best friends in HighSchool and in life. Bob remained the kind of friend even when seperated he was with me in thoughts and memory. Bob was the smartest guy I ever knew. Bob got a math degree from Harey Mudd College before he graduated Claremont High School. He used to sneak us on campus so we could shoot pool with him in the Mudd recreation room. Bob went on to Stanford and I was at San Jose State. We both bought Honda scooters and would take week end adventures. Bob went on to Graduate School at UC Berkeley and my new wife and I lived in Berkeley at the same time as she was also going to Berkeley. While at Berkeley Bob started a commmodity trading office on the side. He impressed somebody in New York because before I knew it Bob told me he was moving to New York.
Bob's parents were wonderful, fun and kind to me and all of Bob's friends. We all enjoyed going over to the Feduniak's. Bob's younger sister Joanne would hang out with us too. Joanne was by far the funniest girl I have ever met. Sadly Joanne also passed away a few months before Bob.
Bob's career achivements in New York was nothing short of amazing but never unexpected. Bob advanced to become the Managing Partner at Morgan Stanley. That said anytime I would see Bob in New York or Las Vegas, where he had homes, or back in Claremont he was always the same. A friend. A best friend. A brother.
Bob and I were the best of friends for 67 years.
Robert House (1965)
This is a tough one. Bob and I were very close childhood friends. We had so much fun together in 3rd grade at Oakmont that the school district separated us — we never had another class together all the way through high school. Rest in peace old friend.