For generations of New York–area viewers, Saturday mornings carried a familiar rhythm. The coffee brewed, the news played softly in the background, and a warm, reassuring voice offered simple advice about food, health, and living well. That voice, which for decades felt like part of the family to countless households, has now fallen silent.
A beloved television personality who spent more than three decades educating viewers about fruits, vegetables, and healthy living has died at the age of 80. His passing marks the end of an era not just for local television, but for a style of broadcasting rooted in sincerity, practicality, and genuine human connection.
Unlike many television figures, he was never flashy or controversial. He did not rely on shock value or celebrity gossip to capture attention. Instead, his appeal came from consistency, kindness, and an unmistakable sense that he truly cared about the people watching at home. Week after week, year after year, he delivered advice that felt less like a lecture and more like guidance from a trusted neighbor.
For more than 30 years, he appeared regularly on NBC’s Weekend Today in New York, becoming one of the program’s most recognizable and enduring contributors. His segments were straightforward and approachable, focused on selecting fresh produce, understanding seasonal foods, and making small, healthy choices that could improve daily life.
Behind the television persona was a man deeply rooted in his community. Born in 1945 in Bergenfield, New Jersey, he grew up surrounded by produce crates, early mornings, and the values of hard work passed down through his family. His upbringing was shaped by the immigrant experience, a story he often shared with pride rather than nostalgia.
His father had come to the United States from Italy with little formal education and few resources, determined to build a better life through persistence and honest labor. Those values became the foundation of a family-run produce business that would serve the local community for more than half a century.
From a young age, the future TV personality worked alongside his father, learning not just how to select quality fruits and vegetables, but how to treat customers with respect. The store was more than a business; it was a gathering place, where relationships mattered just as much as transactions.
Over time, he helped expand the family operation, turning it into a cornerstone of the Bergenfield community. Even as his television career grew, he never distanced himself from the produce business. In fact, he saw it as the source of his credibility.
Viewers trusted him because he lived what he taught. He wasn’t offering advice from a studio disconnected from real life; he was sharing lessons learned on loading docks, behind counters, and in conversations with customers who depended on him to help feed their families.
Midway through his life, an unexpected opportunity changed everything.
A chance encounter in his produce store led to a local television appearance more than 35 years ago. What began as a modest segment quickly resonated with viewers, and before long, he became a regular presence on weekend television.
It was during this period that audiences came to know him by the name that would define his public legacy: Produce Pete.
The man behind the nickname was Peter Napolitano, whose authenticity made the persona feel effortless. On camera, he was exactly who he was off camera—plainspoken, enthusiastic, and deeply invested in helping others live healthier lives.
His trademark sign-off, “If you eat right, you’re going to live right,” became a mantra for viewers who tuned in not just for food tips, but for a dose of optimism. It was never delivered with arrogance or judgment, but with encouragement and warmth.
Napolitano often reflected on how improbable his television journey had been. In a 2025 NBC segment, he spoke candidly about his background, saying, “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.”
Despite his on-air success, he remained deeply humble. Fame never pulled him away from his roots, and he continued to see himself first and foremost as a produce man who happened to be on TV.
Beyond television, Napolitano was passionate about education. He authored multiple books centered on healthy eating and practical cooking, aiming to make nutritious food accessible rather than intimidating. He also hosted cooking classes at well-known venues including King’s Culinary Arts, D’Agostino, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s, where his approachable style put even novice cooks at ease.
He was especially committed to reaching younger audiences. Napolitano regularly spoke at schools, hoping to instill healthy habits early and counter the growing prevalence of poor nutrition among children. He believed that teaching kids where food comes from—and how to enjoy it—could have lifelong benefits.
Colleagues at NBC described him as more than just a contributor; he was family. Amy Morris, Senior Vice President of News for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47, said viewers tuned in for more than 30 years to watch him share recommendations and cooking tips, but also to feel connected.
“He was a beloved member of our station family,” she said, noting that viewers often sought him out at health expos, food drives, and farmers markets across New Jersey, places where he felt most at home.
Away from the camera and the produce stand, Napolitano’s greatest joy was his family. He shared a lifelong love story with his wife, Bette, whom he met when he was just 16 years old. Their relationship, spanning decades, was frequently cited by those close to him as the center of his life.
Together, they raised two children and later delighted in seven grandchildren, many of whom appeared alongside him during his television segments. To viewers, those moments offered a glimpse into the man behind the advice—a grandfather who practiced the values he preached.
News of his death prompted an outpouring of grief across social media. Friends, viewers, and colleagues shared memories of kindness, generosity, and wisdom. Many spoke not just of what he taught them about food, but how he made them feel seen and encouraged.
“What an honor to celebrate the life of a beautiful friend who brightened my life for years,” one tribute read. Others echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that his warmth extended far beyond the screen.
In an era when television often feels loud and divisive, Produce Pete’s legacy stands apart. He proved that authenticity still matters, that education can be gentle, and that a simple message—delivered consistently and with heart—can reach millions.
Peter Napolitano may be gone, but every Saturday morning smile he inspired, every healthy habit he encouraged, and every lesson he passed on continues to live on in kitchens, markets, and families across the region he loved.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
