Harry George Kazanjian

Our beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, Hrair ("Harry") George Kazanjian, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 1, 2026. His passing leaves a profound void in the family and community to whom he gave so much throughout his life.

Harry was a man of the world, from his early adventures in Sudan, where he was born into an Armenian family. His parents instilled in him and his brother, Vince, a strong cultural heritage, especially the values of family and respect. He spent his youth and studies in the United Kingdom, and in the mid-1960s, his parents moved to Silver Spring. Even then, his family and friends recognized his intelligence, work ethic, and generosity.

Early in life, Harry studied haute (high-end) pâtisserie in Paris, even completing an internship at Fauchon. He pursued mastery with extraordinary dedication, offering his labor freely to accomplished chefs in New York City, and Paris to refine his skills which allowed him to open his own business.

Harry was the proud owner and master pastry chef behind Les Delices French Bakery in Rockville, which he operated for 38 years. A devoted pâtissier, he spent his life perfecting the art of French pastry. Over the decades, his hands shaped thousands of pastries, cookies, and cakes, each prepared with meticulous care, artistry, and an unwavering commitment to quality. For Harry, baking was never merely a profession. It was his passion and the way he expressed care for others. His creations brought comfort and joy to generations of customers and immense pride to his family.

Harry is survived by his devoted wife, Suzanne, with whom he built a life shared in love, loyalty, and unwavering partnership. Together they raised their children, Aline and Ari, whom he loved deeply and supported with constant care and pride. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Chris, and his beloved grandchildren, Araxi and Raffi, who brought him endless joy. He is further survived by his brother Vince and sister-in-law Houry; his sister-in-law Mariette; his brother-in-law Aram and Aram's wife, Tamar; and his sister-in-law Salpi and her husband, Hovig and their families. Harry was predeceased by his mother, Astra, and his mother-in-law, Armenhoui.

Harry was known for his iron will, sharp sense of humor, generous spirit, and extraordinary work ethic. He was a jokester and a prankster, always ready with a quip or a playful moment. Yet he was equally gentle, thoughtful, and grounded. He had a particular gift for doing things for others quietly, often without anyone knowing he had been the one to lighten the load. He never sought thanks or recognition; helping was simply part of who he was.

A lover of languages, a voracious reader, and a man who thrived working with his hands, Harry also found peace in the simple joy of fishing. He believed in treating people fairly, working hard, and showing integrity in all things. Friends and family often wished he would take a break, but Harry lived exactly as he wished, spending his days in the place he loved most: his bakery. It was where he felt at home, where he created, and where he found purpose.

Although he may not have concerned himself with how he would be remembered, his family, friends, and customers will long remember the beauty of his craft, the warmth of his presence, and the countless ways he made life sweeter, both literally and figuratively. His legacy will be preserved by the knowledge he shared and the recipes he perfected. The standards he lived by will continue to be carried forward.

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.