A well-known television figure, recognized for his decades-long guidance on selecting everything from the ideal pineapple to the most flavorful tomato, has sadly passed away. Peter Napolitano, better known as “Producing Pete,” died at the age of 80 on January 26 in a Paramus, New Jersey hospital, as confirmed by his son. The specific cause of death remains unclear.
For over 30 years, Napolitano shared his expertise on WNBC’s “Weekend Today in New York,” where he provided insights drawn from nearly a lifetime in the produce business.
Born on February 23, 1945, in Englewood, New Jersey, Napolitano was steeped in the agricultural trade from a young age. His father, an Italian immigrant, was one of twenty children and began the family’s produce business. According to reports, Napolitano began selling fruits and vegetables door-to-door with his dad when he was just five.
By the mid-1950s, the family was selling watermelons from a vacant lot in Bergenfield, New Jersey. In 1959, they established Napolitano’s Produce, and by 1970, Peter took over the shop, cultivating it into a prominent local spot for fresh produce.
His television career took off in 1989 when he appeared on a local New York talk show to discuss concerns over contaminated Chilean grapes. This led to a regular segment and a long-term role at WNBC, where he was affectionately dubbed “Producing Pete,” a name he cherished.
Napolitano shared simple yet impactful advice on choosing quality produce, encouraging viewers to select fruits and vegetables that felt “heavy in the hand.” He also promoted the beauty of oddly shaped items, which he believed often held the most flavor. He advised checking for a deep, golden hue in pineapples and lifting pumpkin stems carefully to avoid breakage.
Beyond local television, Napolitano gained a wider following, even inspiring parodies on shows like “The Daily Show” and receiving praise from personalities such as Tina Fey and Harrison Ford.
He authored several books, including a guide to selecting and preparing produce, and published his autobiography in 2023.
Nearing the end of his active role in the family business in the late 1990s, he continued to engage with the produce industry as a broker while making various television appearances.
NBC 4 New York fondly remembered him as a beloved figure at the station, noting not only the practical advice he offered but also the personal stories he shared about his upbringing.
According to reports, he leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth “Bette” Napolitano, two children, seven grandchildren, and several siblings.
Napolitano famously concluded his segments with a message that encapsulated his legacy: “If you eat right, you can live right.”
