Peter Napolitano, ‘Produce Pete,’ Dies at 80 After 30 Years on Air

At a Glance

• Peter Napolitano, known as “Produce Pete,” passed away at 80 after more than three decades on Saturday mornings.
• NBC New York announced his death on January 26, 2024, describing him as a beloved member of the News 4 family.
• Fans celebrated his legacy on social media, recalling his warm personality and produce-focused segments.

Why it matters: The loss of a local icon who shaped New York’s weekend morning routine highlights the deep connection between regional media personalities and their communities.

Peter Napolitano, a familiar face on New York City television for over 30 years, died on Monday, January 26, 2024. The NBC New York station confirmed his death, noting that he was 80 and had been a staple of Saturday morning news. Fans and colleagues reflected on his impact, sharing memories of his friendly demeanor and expertise in produce.

A Legacy on Saturday Mornings

For more than three decades, viewers of WNBC’s Saturday morning program, Weekend Today, tuned in to see Napolitano offer fruit and vegetable recommendations and cooking tips. Amy Morris, Senior Vice President of News for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47, said in a statement: “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.”

Napolitano’s segments were known for their approachable style. He frequently visited local farmers markets and food drives, engaging with the community:

• Health Expo
• Feeding Our Families Food Drives
• Farmers markets across New Jersey

Morris added that viewers felt he was part of the station family, noting his presence at these events.

NBC New York Responds

The station’s announcement described Napolitano as “a member of our News 4 family” and “a longtime fixture of our weekend morning news.” Steven Bognar, a managing editor at NBC New York, posted on X: “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,” and included a photo of Napolitano holding grapes.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Family and Early Life

Napolitano was born in 1945 in Bergenfield, N.J. His early life was shaped by his parents’ involvement in the produce business. He credited his mother for sparking his interest:

• She saw an empty lot and suggested her husband sell watermelons there while he worked bus routes.
• The mother sold watermelons two days in a row, a story Napolitano later shared.

He described his father as “always in the produce business but really didn’t care much for it,” adding that his father worked various jobs such as butcher, truck driver, bar owner, and bus driver.

Napolitano was also a published author, and he often thanked his mother for her support: “If it wasn’t for mom, who knows what would have been, Produce Pete may never have existed, Thanks Mom!!!”

Fans Remember Produce Pete

News of his passing spread quickly on social media. Fans posted condolences on his final Instagram post, published on November 27, 2025:

• “Thanks for the chill Saturday mornings learning about produce. Thanks for teaching us if we eat right we’re going to live right RIP Pete.”
• “With all that’s going on in the world today, hearing of Produce Pete’s passing has hit really hard! It won’t be Saturday or Sunday morning without his smiling face. To his family, thank you for sharing this wonderful man with the whole tri-state area and beyond. He will be sorely missed.”

The last photo Napolitano shared showed him sitting at a table in a living room in front of a Christmas tree, slicing pomegranates. He wished followers a happy Thanksgiving and previewed his upcoming segment.

Final Days and Social Media

The NBC New York family honored him with a tribute on X, featuring a photo of Napolitano holding grapes. The station’s statement emphasized his warmth, kindness, and love for his work.

Napolitano’s legacy lives on through the memories of viewers who appreciated his friendly guidance on healthy eating and his presence at community events. His death marks the end of an era for New York’s weekend morning news.

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Timeline of Key Events

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Key Takeaways

• Peter Napolitano, known as Produce Pete, died at 80 after 30+ years on Saturday mornings.
• NBC New York described him as a beloved family member and longtime fixture.
• Fans and colleagues celebrated his warm personality, community involvement, and influence on healthy eating.
• His mother played a pivotal role in his early produce career, inspiring his lifelong passion.
• The cause of death remains undisclosed.