Weekend NBC New York Mainstay ‘Produce Pete’ Dead at 80
Peter “Produce Pete” Napolitano, the beloved weekend television personality known to generations of New Yorkers for his cheerful produce-picking segments on NBC New York, has died at the age of 80. His passing was announced by the station on Monday, January 26, 2026, marking the end of a more than three-decade run on local television.
For more than 30 years, Napolitano was a fixture on Weekend Today in New York, where he shared his expertise on selecting fresh fruits and vegetables, offered simple cooking tips, and encouraged viewers to embrace healthy eating habits. His signature sign-off — “If you eat right, you’re going to live right!” — became a favorite catchphrase among loyal viewers.
Born Peter James Napolitano Jr. on February 23, 1945, in Englewood, New Jersey, he grew up immersed in the produce business. His family opened Napolitano’s Produce in Bergenfield in 1959, and young Pete worked alongside his father from an early age, learning firsthand the ins and outs of quality fruits and vegetables.
Before his television career, Napolitano helped grow the family business into a community staple that served customers for decades. A chance encounter with a television reporter in the late 1980s led to his first on-camera appearance, and by the early 1990s he had become one of WNBC’s most trusted and loved weekend voices.
Colleagues at NBC remembered him as warm, generous, and down-to-earth. Amy Morris, senior vice president of news for NBC 4 New York, said Napolitano’s presence extended beyond the studio — from health expos to food drives and farmers markets, he connected with audiences in heartfelt, meaningful ways.
Off-camera, Napolitano cherished his family life. He met his wife, Bette, as a teenager; the couple married in 1967 and were devoted partners for nearly six decades. They had two children and seven grandchildren, many of whom appeared with him on television over the years.
Though the cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed, tributes poured in across social media and from fans who grew up watching him brighten Saturday mornings. His legacy as a trusted guide to produce and an amiable presence on local television will long be remembered by viewers across the region.
