Peter Napolitano, the beloved television personality known as “Produce Pete,” died on Monday, January 26, 2026, in North Haledon, New Jersey. He was 80 years old.

Napolitano appeared on Saturday editions of Weekend Today in New York for over 30 years, delivering segments on fruits, vegetables, and cooking tips that made him a fixture in households across the New York metropolitan area. His warmth and expertise turned routine produce advice into must-see television for viewers seeking guidance on selecting the freshest ingredients.

Steven Bognar, managing editor of WNBC-TV, announced the death on X on Monday. Amy Morris, senior vice president of news for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47, said in a statement that viewers tuned in on Saturday mornings to watch Produce Pete offer his recommendations.

“He was a beloved member of our station family, and our viewers felt the same way — visiting him at our Health Expo, our Feeding our Families Food Drives, or the many farmers’ markets across New Jersey where he always felt right at home,” Morris said.

The cause of death was not immediately known.

Napolitano grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, where he started off working as a peddler for his father, whose family came from Italy. The young Napolitano learned the produce business from the ground up, gaining knowledge that would later captivate television audiences and help countless viewers make better choices at their local markets.

His father’s immigrant journey shaped Napolitano’s perspective on the American dream and hard work. The family operated Napolitano’s Produce, which Napolitano helped grow from a small operation into a New Jersey destination. He served customers at the family store for over 50 years before it closed in 2006.

Napolitano began his weekly segment on WNBC in 1992, launching a broadcasting career that would span more than three decades. His authentic style and deep knowledge made him an instant success, connecting with viewers who appreciated his straightforward advice and genuine enthusiasm for produce.

Known for his signature catchphrase, Napolitano would close his segments by saying: “If you eat right, you’re going to live right!”

The phrase became synonymous with his philosophy on nutrition and wellness, reflecting his belief that quality produce formed the foundation of healthy living. His segments went beyond simple shopping tips, incorporating lessons about seasonal eating, proper storage techniques, and creative ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into daily meals.

Beyond television, Napolitano extended his mission of promoting healthy eating through multiple channels. He hosted cooking classes at D’Agostino, King’s Culinary Arts, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s, where participants learned hands-on techniques for preparing fresh produce. These classes allowed him to interact directly with home cooks, answering questions and sharing the practical wisdom gained from decades in the produce business.

He also served as a guest speaker at elementary and high schools, where he spoke about healthy eating and his passion for produce. These educational appearances reflected his commitment to reaching younger generations, hoping to instill good nutritional habits early in life. His engaging presentations made learning about fruits and vegetables fun and accessible for children who might otherwise show little interest in the topic.

Napolitano authored several books throughout his career, sharing his expertise with readers beyond the television audience. He published “Produce Pete’s Farmacopeia: From Apples to Zucchini and Everything in Between” in 1994, creating a comprehensive guide to selecting and preparing produce that became a trusted reference for home cooks.

In 2023, he published his memoir, “They Call Me Produce Pete,” chronicling his journey from working in his family’s store to becoming a television personality. The book offered readers insight into his immigrant roots, the challenges of building a business, and the unexpected opportunity that led to his television career.

Most recently, he released the cookbook, “In The Kitchen With Bette & Produce Pete,” in 2024, a collaboration with his wife that combined family recipes with his produce expertise. The cookbook represented the culmination of his life’s work, blending his professional knowledge with the personal culinary traditions he and Bette had developed over decades together.

Napolitano met his wife Bette as a teenager when he was 16 years old. The couple married in 1967, beginning a partnership that would span the rest of his life. Bette appeared alongside him in various segments and supported his work throughout his career, becoming an integral part of his public persona.

His last Instagram post came in November, when he wished followers a happy holiday season and promoted an upcoming segment about pomegranates. The post reflected his consistent dedication to educating viewers about seasonal produce, maintaining his connection with audiences even in what would be his final months.

Napolitano is survived by his wife Bette, two children, and seven grandchildren. His family members occasionally appeared in his television segments, giving viewers glimpses into the family life that remained central to his identity despite his public success.

His presence on Weekend Today in New York made Saturday mornings special for generations of viewers in the tri-state area. While other segments came and went, Produce Pete remained a constant, offering reliable advice and a familiar face that viewers came to trust. His ability to make the produce section less intimidating helped countless shoppers feel more confident in their selections, ultimately encouraging healthier eating habits across the region.

His impact extended beyond individual shoppers to influence how people in the New York area thought about food quality and nutrition. By making produce selection accessible and even enjoyable, he contributed to broader public health efforts without ever preaching or lecturing. His friendly demeanor made viewers want to eat better, rather than feeling obligated to do so.

Tributes poured in following news of his death, with viewers sharing memories of watching his segments and applying his advice during their own grocery shopping trips. Many noted that his guidance had become so ingrained in their routines that they still heard his voice when selecting fruits and vegetables at the store.