Robert Daniel Roudebush - Obituary

“You introduced so many of us to the wonders of the universe. You showed us the stars, now we cannot look up into the night sky without thinking of you.” - Frances

Robert Daniel Roudebush, also known as Birdie to those who served with him, passed away surrounded by family on March 7, 2025 in New Mexico at the age of 77. Robert lost his over 10-year battle with cancer, but never lost his intense will to live, take care of his family and those around him, and share his vast knowledge of so many topics with all those he encountered. Robert was born to Robert and Margaret (née Hanlon) Pulli on October 16, 1947 in San Francisco, California. Robert’s paternal ancestors date back to early 1700s European immigrants.

Robert is survived by the love of his life and wife of over 54 years, Frances Roudebush (née Ratz); daughter Mandy Roudebush (Kevin); grandchildren Hannah and Luke Nelson; brothers Angelo and Tony Pulli; sisters Florence Powell, Margie Ann Biederman, Mary Augdahl, and Yolanda Pulli, and his beloved dog Jupiter.

He is preceded in death by his father Robert Roudebush Sr., step father Ferdinand Pulli, mother Margaret Pulli, sisters Patricia Castenera, Rosemary Pulli.

Robert served in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army. He was deployed for two tours in Vietnam and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and was later awarded the Bronze Star for his exemplary service.

Robert founded Heartwood Restorations in the early 1980s till his retirement in 2006. He became Smithsonian Institute (Washington DC) trained in conservation work and was entrusted with many one of a kind or priceless items of furniture to conserve and restore. He was talented and a gifted speaker which brought about the Heartwood Show. He hosted and presented a different technique in thirteen episodes which aired on cable TV. His work ranged from a broken chair rebuild to a conservation of an early Viennese Bösendorfer grand piano. He was truly a gifted artist in his craft.

Those who knew Robert are familiar with his hobby as an aumatuer astro-physicist and many were lucky to have the opportunity to participate in a star party and look through his powerful telescopes while receiving a Star Talk. This passion for the celestial bodies beyond, began when he started pondering a new theory on gravity at the age of twelve. Over his life he expanded his theory and communicated with astro-physicists around the world, many of whom were not quite ready to accept an amateur's contributions. It was in more recent years that the field started to shift in the direction of his ideas and a revolutionary physicist acknowledged Robert’s ideas and their many conversations in a paper published in 2023.
Robert also had a love of nature and animals. In retirement, he spent four years RVing full time with his wife, Frances. On the road they had many adventures exploring all 48 contiguous states along with his high-powered telescope to host star parties all over the US.

Robert also had a background in mechanics and was an all-around “Mr Fix It”. He was the first call for many of us when something went wrong or was not working, because he always had a good answer or some sound advice. Robert was a good friend to many and kept beloved friends for over fifty years, who will miss him dearly, as well. Robert was a man that is not easily replaced. He was one of a kind and truly always put others before himself. He dedicated his life to making others’ lives better. His fighting spirit never waned, on that last day when he went to the hospital and never woke up again, he told his daughter, “I have more more time in me!”