Frederik De Pue

1976 - 2024

8/12/76 - 10/3/2024
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Frederik De Pue, Executive Chef and Owner of The Henri.

It was with undaunted stoicism and unyielding positivity our beloved Frederik succumbed to complications following a six-month pancreatic cancer diagnosis in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 3, 2024. He was 48.

Frederik is survived by his wife, Jennifer Thomas De Pue (45); his three children; Valentine (21), Sebastien (19) and Juliette (2.5); his mother, Ann Vanhoutte (72) and sister Caroline De Pue (50).

Frederik was a precocious and restless child. He loved being outside and adored his older sister, who he affectionately nicknamed "Charlotte" because he preferred it to Caroline. His teachers found it challenging to keep him focused in class, and his parents realized they needed to find a better way to channel his energy and creativity. Fortunately, Frederik inherited his father Freddy's passion for cooking. Thus, Freddy had the brilliant idea to send Frederik to culinary school at the young age of 14.

A son of Belgium, as evidenced by his endearing Flemish accent, he was the epitome of the American dream. After attending the renowned culinary school, Hotelschool Ter Duinen in Koksijde, Belgium, Frederik went on to quickly scale the daunting walls of the culinary world. He made his debut in several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Louis XV – Alain Ducasse in Monte Carlo, Monaco and Alain Chapel in Lyon, France.

Chef Frederik emigrated to the United States at 25 to become the Executive Chef of the European Commission Delegation Ambassador, which launched his career at the center of D. C.'s competitive culinary scene.

Frederik was also the creative mind behind several of D.C.'s most popular restaurants, including Table, where he met Jennifer, the love of his life. It was on this night, while celebrating her 35th birthday with friends, that she spotted the young chef and his charming smile. She continued to come back for weeks and "not just for the food," which she eventually confessed to him. They went on to enjoy 10 years of an amazing life together as they raised their precious children, while supporting one another as they pursued their successful and demanding careers.

Jennifer was Frederik's true love. He adored her and was so proud of her professional and personal accomplishments. He never hesitated to push her outside her comfort zone and was confident in her ability to always rise to the occasion. The only thing he couldn't win her over on was his love of seafood – that was a bridge too far. But he knew he'd found his soulmate in her and would radiate when talking about her to friends and family. They shared a love of travel and enjoyed trips to National Parks, Mexico, Peru and throughout Europe. They had a long list of countries they hoped to visit together. Frederik loved surprising Jennifer with gifts, but the best gift he ever gave her was their beautiful daughter, Juliette.

Frederik's greatest pride and joy was being a father to Valentine, Sebastien and Juliette. He was so proud to see Valentine and Sebastien pursue their higher education in Europe, enabling them to strengthen their Belgian ties. He enjoyed talking to Valentine every day and hearing about her life in Brussels. He took such pride in Sebastien's decision to follow in his father's footsteps and attend culinary school in Lyon, France. And becoming a father again at 45 to little Juliette made his heart grow even bigger. She was the light of his life. He enjoyed making her giggle, taking her on nature walks with the family beagles – even in the rain and snow – and showering her with love, laughter and gifts. His last project was building her a swing set – of course, with a beautiful aesthetic – just a week prior to his death. How fitting --- Frederik will be looking down on Juliette's smiling face as she swings "high in the sky."

Frederik's other passions included Premier League football, Formula One racing, home design and snowboarding. On weekends, when not busy at the restaurant, Frederik loved cheering on his favorite fellow Belgians, Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing. Frederik constantly embarked on countless home projects, always envisioning new improvements and adding elegant touches to the beautiful home he designed for his family. Jennifer always initially resisted such projects but ultimately trusted Frederik's creative mind. She now takes comfort in being surrounded by her true love's creativity. Frederik loved the snow and seized every chance to go snowboarding, especially with Sebastien, who was quickly mastering his father's skills. Their last adventure was a memorable father-son snowboarding trip to Vail last March.

Frederik did not let his cancer diagnosis slow him down. He approached this latest challenge as he did every other – with fierce determination, courage and optimism. His witty sense of humor and magnetic smile never faded as he endured aggressive chemotherapy, radiation and major surgery to remove the tumor. Sadly, he was taken from us too soon. The world seems a little less joyful and bright without our dear Frederik. While his time was too short, he touched many lives, helping others, sharing his positive energy and humor with his family, friends, and the community.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. ET at the Williard Intercontinental Hotel. The service is open to the public. If you wish to make a contribution or gift in support of Chef Frederik's legacy, please consider donating to No Kid Hungry, an organization close to the De Pue family's heart, which is dedicated to ending childhood hunger.