Beloved TV personality Produce Pete dies at 80 after more than three decades on air

Beloved NBC personality Produce Pete has passed away at 80 after decades on the air.

Peter Napolitano routinely appeared on Saturday editions of ‘Weekend Today in New York’ for more than 33 years, providing expert insights on produce and always advocating for viewers to eat right.

Produce Pete was born in Bergenfield, New Jersey, in 1945, and where he also ran his family’s produce business for more than 50 years.

After working alongside his father for years, he eventually scaled Napolitano’s Produce store to new heights and made the business a cornerstone of his community.

Despite his regular TV appearances discussing fruits and vegetables, Napolitano remained humble and found a way to incorporate lessons he had learned throughout his life.

Produce Pete’s genuine personality and trademark sign-off, ‘If you eat right, you’re going to live right,’ gave Saturday morning viewers something to smile about.

Napolitano was proud of who he was and his path to TV, speaking about his journey on an NBC segment in 2025: ‘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.’

Peter Napolitano also known as Produce Pete, passed away at 80 years old

Napolitano routinely appeared on Saturday editions of ‘Weekend Today in New York’ for more than three decades

He was born in Bergenfield, New Jersey, where he worked at his family’s produce business for more than 50 years

In addition to his on-air appearances, he has authored multiple books and hosted cooking classes at King’s Culinary Arts, D’Agostino, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s, according to his website.

He also wanted to positively impact the younger generation by speaking at schools about healthy eating.

‘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,’ said Amy Morris, the Senior Vice President of News for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47, 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.’

Aside from the fruits and veggies, nothing was more important to him than the love he had for his wife, Bette, according to the outlet.

He is survived by Bette, whom he met when he was 16 years old, his two children, and his seven grandchildren, who all had made appearances alongside him while he was on air.

In addition to his on-air appearances, he has authored multiple books and hosted cooking classes

Aside from the fruits and veggies, nothing was more important to him than the love he had for his wife, Bette. They met when they were teenagers

He is survived by , his two children, and his seven grandchildren (Produce Pete pictured with his son Peter’s family)

Many were devastated at the news of Produce Pete’s passing and took to social media to mourn his death.

‘What an honor to celebrate the life of Peter Produce Pete Napolitano Jr., a beautiful friend who brightened my life for years with kindness, generosity, and wisdom,’ a user posted online. ‘His love will forever be cherished and will be deeply missed by all.’

A friend added: ‘Farewell to a great friend for over 30 years. You will be missed by so many who were privileged to have known you. May your memory be a blessing to all of us.’

A third wrote: ‘I am so sorry to hear that you are no longer on this Earth with us. I am so sad.’

‘My heart goes out to the beautiful family that you loved so very much. I loved your stories and you. We will ALL miss you so much, Produce Pete.’