STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Here’s a tip from the man himself: Refrigerate apples and oranges, but leave stone fruits—cherries, plums, apricots, peaches — on the counter at room temperature. And never store onions near cherries, apples or cantaloupe. Onions release ethylene gas which can permeate delicate produce.
We learned all that from the late Produce Pete during his Staten Island Mall Greenmarket visit in August 2023.
Peter J. Napolitano Jr., the beloved television personality known to generations of New York-area viewers as Produce Pete, died peacefully Jan. 26, 2026, in his North Haledon home at age 80.
The Staten Island Mall Greenmarket hosted Produce Pete on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. He was a huge hit.A life in the produce aisle
Napolitano spent more than three decades sharing his expertise on fresh produce with viewers of NBC’s “Weekend Today in New York,” becoming a trusted voice on seasonal fruits and vegetables. His death is being deeply felt across the region — particularly on Staten Island, where he built a devoted following through regular farmers market appearances.
His beloved connection to Staten Island was cemented on Aug. 5, 2023 at the Mall Greenmarket. There he drew one of the market’s largest turnouts on record.
Fans lined up for hours, many in fruit-themed shirts, eager to buy his biography, “They Call Me Produce Pete,” and chat about everything from figs to pumpkins to Jersey peaches. Among the crowd were astute home cooks, attorneys, fitness enthusiasts, produce purveyors and longtime viewers.
“We had an absolutely terrific day at GrowNYC’s Staten Island Mall Greenmarket … I wouldn’t be on TV this long, have these books out there, or be anything if it weren’t for all of the great fans who have tuned in all of these years,” Napolitano said during that visit.
He added that Staten Island had “so much heart” and had always given him a “warm, hometown feeling.” He said it was one of the reasons he continued returning to borough farmers markets, where the enthusiasm was matched only by the appetite for good produce and good stories.
Produce Pete brings his signature charm — and produce know-how — to the Staten Island Mall Greenmarket in 2023. Remembered fondly on Staten Island
At Gerardi’s Farmers Market in New Brighton, Enzo Gerardi recalled that Produce Pete had once canceled a visit because he wasn’t feeling well, but eventually made it there — a memory his family cherishes. Gerardi said Pete was a devoted champion of Jersey Fresh produce, especially Jersey tomatoes, Jersey corn, blueberries and eggplant, which he considered among the best in the nation. Pete often spoke about learning the trade from his father, who was also in the produce business, and Pete carried that pride into every appearance.
Enzo remembered hundreds lining up for Pete’s book signings and described him as universally respected — always kind, always gracious and always happy to return to Staten Island. Pete had hoped to come back again this spring, he said, adding: “It’s a shame he won’t be able to.”
Nanci Richards, a St. George resident, comedian and retired teacher with the city Department of Education, said Produce Pete was the only reason she learned to love vegetables. She grew up watching him on television. “My mom wasn’t very good with vegetables,” she said.
When his TV appearances grew less frequent during the COVID pandemic, she began visiting the St. George Greenmarket.
Each Saturday, she continues to visit the greenmarket and she also shares seasonal insights on her Instagram page, along with tips on cooking for one and cutting down on produce waste.
Bette and Pete were married for almost 60 years. Here she is with him on the cover of one of his cookbooks.Courtesy of Susan Bloom
“He made vegetables approachable,” she said. Pete introduced viewers to unfamiliar fruits — pomegranates among them — and showed them how to use whatever they brought home.
Richards said a high school classmate she hadn’t seen in decades … once mailed her a handmade ceramic ‘apricot Danish’ mug, saying the videos had helped her get through the pandemic. “I had no idea anyone was watching, but that message made me realize the impact, and it’s why I kept going.”
“He was a real New Yorker,” she added. “A fixture.”
Shown is the late “Produce Pete” Napolitano, whose joy for sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and all things Jersey Fresh made him a beloved guide in the produce aisle.Jersey raised, tristate treasured
Born Feb. 23, 1945, in Englewood, New Jersey, and raised in Bergenfield, New Jersey, Napolitano began selling fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets as a boy and later peddled produce door to door. His roots remained firmly planted in Bergenfield, where he operated Napolitano’s Produce Inc. for almost four decades. The family business, which began as a small neighborhood operation, ultimately served the community for 53 years across three generations.
Beyond television, Napolitano authored three books focused on educating readers about produce. His down-to-earth style and authenticity resonated with audiences throughout his career.
According to his obituary, published on the website of Riewerts Memorial Home in Bergenfield, he met his wife, Bette, at Bowla Bowla in Bergenfield when he was 16 and she was 14. They were married nearly 60 years.
Produce Pete guided New Yorkers through the world of fruits and vegetables, shaping how the region shops and cooks.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Peter and Cheryl; son‑in‑law Brian; seven grandchildren; his sister Louise Anne and her husband, Allan; brother David; and extended family.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Riewerts Funeral Home, the obituary says.
The family is establishing the Produce Pete Napolitano Memorial Scholarship for Bergenfield High School graduates. Contributions may be sent to the Bergenfield Board of Education, Business Office, 225 W. Clinton Ave., Bergenfield, New Jersey, 07621.