Peter “Produce Pete” Napolitano, the warm-hearted grocer, television personality, and celebrated fruits and vegetables expert, died at the age of 80 on January 26, 2026. For decades, Napolitano was a beloved fixture in New Jersey and the greater New York City area, blending practical produce advice with earnest warmth and a passion for healthy living.
His legacy spans television, community engagement, and decades of advocacy for wholesome food. Born February 23, 1945, in Bergenfield, New Jersey, Napolitano grew up deeply entrenched in the world of fresh produce. His Italian-American family operated Napolitano’s Produce, a seasonal market stall established in 1959 that became a local institution in Bergen County.
