TV personality Peter Napolitano — known and loved by viewers as “Produce Pete” — has died at the age of 80, NBC New York confirmed on Monday.
Napolitano was a familiar and comforting presence on New York television for more than three decades, serving as a longtime weekend contributor on Weekend Today. Each week, he shared practical advice on choosing the freshest fruits and vegetables, easy recipes anyone could try at home, and smart grocery-store tips that made healthy eating feel approachable.
What truly set Produce Pete apart was his infectious enthusiasm and warmth. He quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his upbeat delivery — and his signature sign-off that viewers came to know by heart: “If you eat right, you’re going to live right!”
A proud New Jersey native, Napolitano often spoke on air about his Italian immigrant roots. He grew up working in his family’s produce business, learning firsthand the value of fresh food, hard work, and customer connection. Those early lessons shaped his life and career, eventually leading him to expand the family business into a successful seasonal operation. He closed the store in 2006, but by then, his television career was already firmly established.
Napolitano frequently described his path to TV as unexpected. In a 2025 interview on the Today Show, he credited chance and timing for changing his life.
“My father came here from Italy. No education, no nothing,” Napolitano said. “I got lucky 35 years ago when someone was in my store and put me on a local show.”
That moment launched a career that would make him a trusted voice in kitchens across the tri-state area, helping generations of viewers shop smarter, cook better, and feel more confident about what they put on their tables.
Eric Lerner, president of NBC New York, shared a tribute honoring Napolitano’s legacy and extended condolences to his loved ones.
Napolitano is survived by his wife, Bette, their two children, and seven grandchildren.
Real Deal Team