Roland Mesnier, Pastry Chef for 5 Presidents, Dies at 78

White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier (R) displays a mango coconut lei, the dessert for the dinner hosted by President George W. Bush for Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in the State Dining Room in the White House on May 19, 2003. Charles Dharapak/AP Photo

WASHINGTON—Roland Mesnier, who created often-magical desserts for five presidents and their guests as White House executive pastry chef, has died at age 78.

His death was confirmed Saturday by the White House Historical Association, which said he died Friday following a short illness.