What you need to know
Peter Napolitano, the popular New York City television personality known as “Producing Pete,” has died after more than 30 years on the air. He was 80 years old.
NBC New York announced Mr. Napolitano’s death on Monday, January 26th. The news station described him as “a member of the News 4 family” and “a long-time fixture on weekend morning news.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Pete Napolitano/Facebook
“For more than 30 years, WNBC viewers have watched ‘Produce Pete’ on Saturday mornings with his favorite fruits and vegetables and cooking tips on Weekend Today in New York,” Amy Morris, senior vice president of news for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47, said in a statement.
“He was a beloved member of our station family, and our viewers felt the same way – visiting him at our health expos, food drives feeding our families, or at the many farmers markets across New Jersey, he always felt right at home,” Morris continued.
News of his death quickly spread on social media, with fans expressing their condolences in the comments of his last Instagram post, published on November 27, 2025.
“Thank you for letting me learn about produce on a cold Saturday morning. Thank you for teaching me that if you eat right, you live right. Rest in peace Pete,” one person wrote.
Another fan wrote: “With everything going on in the world today, I’m so shocked to hear of Producer Pete’s passing! I never miss seeing him smiling on a Saturday or Sunday morning.” “Thank you to his family for sharing the story of this wonderful man throughout the tri-state area and beyond. He will be sorely missed.”
The last photo Napolitano shared on social media showed her sitting at a table in front of a Christmas tree in her living room, slicing a pomegranate. He wished his followers a happy Thanksgiving holiday and let them know what to expect from his corner next weekend.
“We share sad news from the NBC New York family…Producer Pete has passed away at the age of 80. His warmth, kindness and love of his work will be missed by all of us,” NBC New York editor-in-chief Stephen Bogner wrote on X Monday. He also included a photo of Nopalitano holding grapes.
The grocer and chef was born in Bergenfield, New Jersey in 1945, according to his official website.
Pete Napolitano/Facebook
Napolitano credits her family with helping her start her career, but explained that she wouldn’t be where she is today without her mother.
According to Produce Pete, his father “always worked in produce, but he never really had much interest in it,” instead taking other jobs such as “butcher, truck driver, bar owner, bus driver.”
The mother found a vacant lot and suggested that her husband sell watermelons there to make money while he was riding the bus.
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Napolitano, who is also a published author, said her mother sold out of watermelons for two days in a row and the rest was history.
“So when people always tell me your dad had a great business, I always thank them with a little smile. If it wasn’t for mom, who knows what would have happened. Produce Pete might not have existed. Thank you mom!!!” he wrote.
