New Jersey has lost one of its most recognizable and beloved personalities. Peter “Produce Pete” Napolitano, the longtime television fixture who turned fruits and vegetables into must-watch weekend storytelling, has passed away at the age of 80. For more than three decades, his warm presence on Saturday mornings felt like an invitation into the kitchen of a trusted neighbor, offering guidance, humor, and a deep respect for food that connected generations across the tri-state area.
Napolitano’s television career began not with a media ambition, but with a shopkeeper’s instinct to share knowledge. Viewers came to know him through his signature produce segments, where he highlighted what was in season, explained how to choose the best items, and paired them with practical recipes often inspired by meals prepared alongside his wife, Bette. The segment’s charm was never just about cooking. It was about family tables, neighborhood markets, and the small rituals that make food meaningful.
Though he became a familiar face on New York and New Jersey television screens, Napolitano’s roots were firmly planted in Bergenfield. Born and raised in New Jersey, he learned the produce business from his father, an Italian immigrant who built a livelihood selling fruits and vegetables door to door before opening a neighborhood produce market in the late 1950s. Pete spent decades working in that family business, absorbing not only product knowledge but also the rhythm of customer conversations, the importance of relationships, and the pride of running a local shop. Those experiences later became the foundation of his on-air authenticity. He wasn’t performing expertise; he lived it.
His journey into broadcasting happened almost by accident. A customer recognized his gift for explaining food simply and passionately and encouraged him to appear on a short television spot. At first, Pete resisted. Running a business left little time for studio lights. But Bette recognized the opportunity, and her encouragement opened a door that would lead to a 33-year television run. From brief early segments to his long tenure on Weekend Today, Napolitano became a staple of Saturday mornings, welcoming viewers with enthusiasm that never felt scripted.
Over the years, his influence extended beyond television. He collaborated on food columns, sharing written reflections on everything from artichokes to cherries, always with a storyteller’s flair and a merchant’s precision. His voice resonated with readers who appreciated both practical tips and personal anecdotes. Whether describing the sweetness of a perfectly ripe melon or the heritage of a seasonal Italian dish, Pete’s writing mirrored the warmth of his broadcasts.
He was also an outspoken supporter of local agriculture. Napolitano often emphasized that strong local farms and strong local food businesses were inseparable. He believed New Jersey’s agricultural identity deserved preservation and celebration, even as farms became fewer and food distribution changed. His advocacy aligned with a broader appreciation for fresh, regional ingredients that continues to shape shopping and dining habits across the state. Readers exploring local food culture can find more about the evolving landscape of New Jersey grocery and produce traditions through Explore New Jersey’s coverage of supermarkets and food destinations, a space Pete himself helped inspire.
Beyond the public persona was a devoted family man. Pete and Bette met as teenagers, built a life together, raised two children, and welcomed seven grandchildren. His family often found its way into his storytelling, reinforcing the idea that cooking and produce weren’t just topics, but threads that bind generations. Viewers who tuned in each week felt they were part of that extended family, sharing in the comfort of familiar advice and friendly conversation.
His passing marks the end of an era in local media, but his legacy remains woven into the habits of countless households. He taught viewers how to pick a tomato, how to store herbs, how to savor citrus in winter — but more importantly, he reminded people to slow down, cook with care, and appreciate where food comes from. That combination of knowledge and heart made Produce Pete more than a television personality. He became a New Jersey institution.
As the state reflects on his life, one truth stands out: Pete Napolitano didn’t just talk about produce. He cultivated connection, tradition, and a shared love of food that will endure long after the cameras fade.
