Staten Island mourns 'Produce Pete', a champion of Jersey produce

Peter Napolitano, known as 'Produce Pete', was a beloved TV personality who shared his expertise on fresh fruits and vegetables for over 30 years.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:07pm

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Peter J. Napolitano Jr., the beloved television personality known as 'Produce Pete', passed away at the age of 80 on January 26, 2026. Napolitano spent over 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.

Why it matters

Produce Pete was a champion of Jersey-grown produce, especially tomatoes, corn, blueberries and eggplant, which he considered among the best in the nation. He helped make unfamiliar fruits and vegetables, like pomegranates, more approachable for viewers. His down-to-earth style and authenticity resonated with audiences throughout his long career.

The details

Napolitano spent more than three decades sharing his expertise on fresh produce with viewers of NBC's 'Weekend Today in New York.' His beloved connection to Staten Island was cemented on August 5, 2023 at the Mall Greenmarket, where he drew one of the market's largest turnouts on record. Fans lined up for hours to buy his biography, 'They Call Me Produce Pete,' and chat about everything from figs to pumpkins to Jersey peaches.

  • Napolitano passed away on January 26, 2026 at the age of 80.
  • He visited the Staten Island Mall Greenmarket on August 5, 2023, drawing one of the market's largest turnouts on record.

The players

Peter J. Napolitano Jr.

Also known as 'Produce Pete', he was a beloved television personality who spent over three decades sharing his expertise on fresh produce with viewers of NBC's 'Weekend Today in New York.'

Enzo Gerardi

The owner of Gerardi's Farmers Market in New Brighton, Staten Island, who recalled Produce Pete's devotion to Jersey Fresh produce and his warm, gracious interactions with fans.

Nanci Richards

A St. George resident, comedian and retired teacher who said Produce Pete was the only reason she learned to love vegetables, and that his videos helped her get through the pandemic.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Peter J. Napolitano Jr.

“He made vegetables approachable. Pete introduced viewers to unfamiliar fruits — pomegranates among them — and showed them how to use whatever they brought home.”

— Nanci Richards, Comedian and retired teacher

“He was a real New Yorker. A fixture.”

— Nanci Richards, Comedian and retired teacher

What’s next

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.

The takeaway

Produce Pete's down-to-earth style and passion for fresh, seasonal produce made him a beloved figure across the tri-state area. His legacy will continue through the scholarship fund and the lasting impact he had on viewers and the produce community.