Renowned television figure Peter Napolitano, better known as Produce Pete to viewers in the New York region, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the age of 80.
Throughout his over three-decade-long television career, Napolitano shared his love for fresh produce during his Saturday morning segments on Weekend Today in New York. He offered practical tips on choosing and preparing fruits and vegetables, earning a dedicated fan base across the area.
The news of Napolitano’s passing was announced by Steven Bognar, Managing Editor of WNBC-TV, on the social media platform X. The cause of death was not specified.
Amy Morris, Senior Vice President of News for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47, remarked, “For more than 30 years, WNBC viewers tuned in on Saturday mornings to watch ‘Produce Pete’ offer his fruit and vegetable recommendations as well as cooking tips on ‘Weekend Today in New York.'” She noted that he was a treasured member of their station family and was equally beloved by viewers who met him at the Health Expo, Feeding Our Families food drives, or at various farmers’ markets throughout New Jersey.
Napolitano, born on February 23, 1945, in Englewood, New Jersey, was raised in Bergenfield in the family produce business. His father had immigrated from Italy, and together they founded Napolitano’s Produce in 1959, a store that became a staple in Bergen County for many years. Napolitano managed the family produce business for over half a century until the store closed in 2006 following 53 years of service.
The market was not just a business for Napolitano—it was the place where he honed his expertise and genuine passion for fresh produce that would later enchant television viewers. He met his wife, Bette, when he was a teenager, and they married in 1967. Their relationship extended beyond their personal lives, with Bette eventually joining him in disseminating their culinary wisdom to the public.
In 1992, Napolitano started his television journey on NBC New York, and he remained on air for 33 years. His Saturday morning segments provided viewers with tips on everything from picking ripe melons to preparing seasonal vegetables. His amiable demeanor and extensive knowledge made complex subjects accessible to home cooks of all levels.
Each of his segments ended with his famous catchphrase: “If you eat right, you’re going to live right!” This simple motto encapsulated his belief in the link between quality produce and overall health, a message that resonated with generations of viewers.
Napolitano remained modest about his television success, despite his longtime presence on local broadcasts. He spoke proudly of his immigrant roots and the journey from selling produce with his father to becoming a trusted voice in kitchens across the region.
Napolitano penned several books sharing his expertise with readers, beginning with “Produce Pete’s Farmacopeia” in 1994. The comprehensive guide covered fruits and vegetables from apples to zucchini, providing detailed information about selection, storage, and preparation.
In 2023, he released his memoir “They Call Me Produce Pete,” giving readers a personal insight into his life and career. The following year, in 2024, he and Bette co-authored “In The Kitchen With Bette & Produce Pete,” a cookbook that merged family recipes with decades of produce wisdom.
Napolitano also imparted his knowledge through hands-on instruction, conducting cooking classes at esteemed retailers such as Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. These classes provided participants with direct access to his expertise and enabled him to demonstrate techniques in person.
His commitment to promoting healthy eating also reached younger generations. He visited schools across Bergen County and the Englewood area, sharing his love for produce and encouraging students to establish good eating habits early on. These educational visits reflected his belief that teaching children about nutrition could have long-term effects on their health and well-being.
During his career, Napolitano balanced his television appearances with community involvement. He was a regular at farmers’ markets across New Jersey, establishing direct connections with the people who watched his Saturday morning segments. These appearances allowed him to maintain personal relationships that were always integral to his approach, treating viewers as neighbors rather than distant audience members.
Napolitano’s influence on local television and food culture in the New York metropolitan area crossed multiple generations. Parents who watched his segments as young adults later introduced their children to Produce Pete, fostering a multigenerational following that attests to the timeless appeal of his straightforward advice and authentic personality.
His expertise stemmed from genuine, hands-on experience rather than formal culinary education. After working in the produce business for over 50 years, Napolitano acquired knowledge that could only be gained through daily interaction with fresh fruits and vegetables, learning their seasons, recognizing quality indicators, and discovering the best ways to prepare them.
The duration of his television career—over three decades on the same station—was a rarity in contemporary broadcasting. In a time of constant personnel changes and format modifications, Napolitano remained a steady presence on Saturday mornings, earning viewers’ trust through consistency and reliability.
Napolitano is survived by his wife, Bette, their two children, and seven grandchildren. His family occasionally joined him during his television segments, sharing the joy he derived from educating others about food and healthy living.