The beloved pastry chef and owner of Les Délices French Bakery Harry Kazanjian died after being struck by a vehicle earlier this month, according to a statement shared by the bakery with customers.
Family members said he was killed Sunday, March 1, 2026, after being struck by a car while at the intersection of Norbeck Road and Avery Road in Rockville. The bakery said he died at the scene.
Harry spent nearly four decades serving the community through his work at Les Délices, the family owned bakery that opened in 1987 and became known for its French pastries, cakes and specialty desserts. According to the bakery, he dedicated 38 years to crafting desserts for customers across the Washington region, often creating signature cakes and experimenting with unique flavor combinations.
Before becoming a pastry chef, Harry studied horticulture in college and had a deep interest in plants and nature. He later pursued baking, traveling to New York on weekends early in his career to observe and learn from professional kitchens, including time spent working alongside chefs at the restaurant Tavern on the Green. Over time he developed a reputation for meticulous techniques and high standards for ingredients and presentation.
The bakery described Harry as a master pâtissier who took pride in creating desserts such as Hazelnut Crunch, Mango Passion Pistachio and Lychee Guava cakes, as well as a wide range of gluten free pastries. His final creation, according to the bakery, was a batch of Grand Marnier Charlotte cakes prepared by hand shortly before his death.
Les Délices has long operated as a family business. Harry’s wife helped support the bakery since its early days, and his sister in law Maria worked alongside him in the kitchen for many years helping manage production and preserve recipes. Other family members, including his daughter, son in law and son, have also helped operate the shop over the years.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 11 at St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Washington, D.C., followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Family members are also asking anyone who may have been traveling on Norbeck Road near Avery Rd between approximately 6:10 pm and 6:35 pm on March 1, or who may have dash camera footage from the area, to contact [email protected]
Rest in PeaceDearest customers,
It is with immense sadness that we share the tragic loss of our beloved chef, Harry.Harry often said he planned to work until his very last day. Sadly, that day came far too soon and far too suddenly. On Sunday, March 1, 2026, Harry was struck by a car while walking on Norbeck Road and passed away immediately.
We never imagined these would be the final days of his life.For 38 years, Harry poured his heart into making cakes for this community. He loved his customers, and he expressed that love through his baking.Harry studied horticulture in college, driven by a deep love for plants and nature. Life’s circumstances eventually led him down a different road. With his natural talent for working with his hands, he began baking and quickly discovered his calling.Harry had an insatiable hunger for learning. On weekends, he would travel to New York for the chance to spend time in professional kitchens, including at Tavern on the Green, alongside another young chef who soon became one of his closest friends. He worked with many bakers for free simply for the opportunity to learn, observe, and refine his craft.Over time, Harry became a master pâtissier. He was meticulous about his standards, the quality of his ingredients, the precision of his techniques, and the perfection he expected from every creation.He loved to surprise people with unique flavor journeys. From his classic Hazelnut Crunch and Mango Passion Pistachio, to the light and exotic Lychee Guava, his extensive gluten-free selections, and his custom Grand Marnier Carrot Cake Crunch created especially for his only daughter, he made it nearly impossible to choose a favorite.His final creation was a full batch of his beloved Grand Marnier Charlotte, crafted entirely by hand from the delicate ladyfingers to the sponge cake and the light, airy mousse.Now his hardworking hands are finally at rest. His apron hangs over his chair one last time. The endless list of ideas he carried in his mind will remain unfinished, but the legacy of his passion and craftsmanship will live on.Thankfully we still have Maria, Harry’s trusted right hand for many decades. She worked closely beside him, running productions, preserving his recipes, and absorbing his knowledge and techniques through countless hours in the kitchen.We are determined to continue Harry’s legacy, though it will take time to understand what that will look like as we adjust to this new reality.To our customers, you brought Harry immense joy. Over the years you became more than customers; you became friends and family. He would often say, “Stop by anytime just to talk. You don’t have to buy anything. Just stop in if you are around.”For 38 years, Harry was part of your birthdays, celebrations, and milestones. His gifted hands and brilliant mind created so many moments of sweetness in your lives. The absence he leaves behind is immeasurable.Many of you came to know the entire family through the bakery. His wife stood beside him from the very beginning, attending trade shows together and supporting the uncertain journey of opening a new business. Maria, his sister-in-law, became his trusted partner in the kitchen.You knew his daughter, who managed the shop for many years until life brought her the joy of starting a family of her own, a moment many of you celebrated with us. You saw his son-in-law helping on weekends and holidays, also processing all your online orders. His son helped with frequent ingredient runs and brother-in-law often helped with deliveries.As a proud grandfather, Harry loved when the newest members of the family stopped by to visit. His grandchildren even began their informal “training” at just three years old and eight months old.The bakery has always been a family business.And over the years, YOU became family too.A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 4125 Fessenden St NW, Washington, D.C 20016 at 10:00 AM (Viewing), 11:00 AM (Service).Burial will follow immediately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, MD 20906.**** if anyone happened to be driving up or down Norbeck road on Sunday March 1st, 2026 close to the Gude intersection between 6:10 pm and-6:35 pm and happened to see him walking or has a dash cam they could review, please get in touch with mewe’re just devastated.
*** or if anyone was at the crosswalk of Avery and Norbeck and saw a man crossing right before the crash . Please help us solve what happened!!
