Weekend NBC New York mainstay ‘Produce Pete’ dies at 80

Longtime NBC New York television personality “Produce Pete” has died. He was 80 years old.

“Sad news to share from the NBC New York family … Produce Pete has passed away at 80. His warmth, kindness, and love for his work will be missed by all of us,” Steven Bognar, the Managing Editor of | WNBC-TV, announced on X Monday.

Peter Napolitano, an iconic grocer hailing from Bergenfield, New Jersey, appeared on Saturday editions of “Weekend Today in New York” for over 30 years, delivering segments on fruits, vegetables, and cooking tips.

NBC New York television personality “Produce Pete” whose real name was Peter Napolitano has died at 80. NBC New York

Napolitano, known by his moniker “Produce Pete”, often spoke in his segments about his childhood in Englewood, where he worked as a peddler for his dad and sold produce at his family’s store, Napolitano’s Produce. He helped grow the small store into a New Jersey destination, serving customers for over 50 years.

The cause of his death is not immediately known.

“I come from immigrant people. My father came here from Italy. No education, no nothing. And then, you know, I got lucky 35 years ago when someone was in my store and put me on a local show,” Napolitano said during a 2025 appearance on the TODAY show.

Peter Napolitano, an iconic grocer hailing from Bergenfield, New Jersey, appeared on Saturday editions of “Weekend Today in New York” for over 30 years. NBC New York

Known for his catchphrase, “If you eat right, you’re going to live right!” Napolitano also authored multiple books, including “They Call Me Produce Pete” published in 2023, about his life striving to achieve the American dream.

Napolitano also hosted cooking classes at D’Agostino, King’s Culinary Arts, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s. He was also a guest speaker at numerous elementary and high schools where he spoke healthy eating and his love for produce, according to his website.

“For more than 30 years, WNBC viewers tuned in on Saturday mornings to watch ‘Produce Pete’ offer his fruit and vegetables recommendations as well as cooking tips on ‘Weekend Today in New York,” Amy Morris, the Senior Vice President of News for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47, said in an obituary posted by the outlet.

“He was a beloved member of our station family, and our viewers felt the same way — visiting him at our Health Expo, our Feeding our Families Food Drives, or the many farmers markets across New Jersey where he always felt right at home,” Morris added.

Napolitano is survived by his wife, Bette, whom he met as a teenager, his two children, and his seven grandchildren.