Produce Pete, actual identify Peter Napolitano, has died on the age of 80.
Pete Napolitano has died (Picture: Mitsu Yasukawa/The Document / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Pictures)
A cherished tv determine has handed away following a long time of delighting audiences. Peter Napolitano, recognised by NBC viewers as Produce Pete, has died aged 80.
Steven Bognar, the Managing Editor of WNBC-TV, introduced the heartbreaking information on X, beforehand Twitter, on Monday. He posted: “Unhappy information to share from the NBC New York household… Produce Pete has handed away at 80. His heat, kindness, and love for his work can be missed by all of us.” Pete gained fame for his segments overlaying fruits, greens and culinary recommendation on Saturday broadcasts of Weekend At the moment in New York. Past his common tv appearances, Pete labored as a grocer and had operated his household’s produce enterprise for greater than 50 years. His tv catchphrase will endure in reminiscence, with Pete persistently concluding his section: “In case you eat proper, you are going to reside proper.”
Reflecting on his tv profession in 2025, he expressed immense delight in his accomplishments. “I come from immigrant individuals. My father got here right here from Italy,” he mentioned, stories the Mirror.
Pete Napolitano was a grocer and TV star (Picture: Mitsu Yasukawa/The Document / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Pictures)
“No schooling, no nothing. After which, you understand, I acquired fortunate 35 years in the past when somebody was in my retailer and put me on a neighborhood present.”
Past his enterprise ventures and tv appearances, Pete authored a number of books. He additionally carried out cookery courses and acknowledged his ambition was to make a optimistic distinction to youthful generations by visiting colleges to debate nutritious consuming.
Following his passing, Amy Morris, Senior Vice President of Information for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47, paid a heartfelt tribute to the beloved presenter. “‘For greater than 30 years, WNBC viewers tuned in on Saturday mornings to look at Produce Pete supply his fruit and vegetable suggestions in addition to cooking tips about Weekend At the moment in New York,” she wrote in an obituary assertion.
“He was a beloved member of our station household, and our viewers felt the identical manner – visiting him at our Well being Expo, our Feeding our Households Meals Drives, or the various farmers’ markets throughout New Jersey the place he at all times felt proper at house.”
The broadcaster highlighted his devotion to his spouse, Bette, whom he first encountered when he was 16. The couple went on to lift two kids and now have seven grandchildren. His household sometimes appeared alongside him throughout broadcasts.
Tributes flooded social media as information of his demise unfold. One Twitter/X person posted alongside signed memorabilia: “#RIPProducePete. My mother watched him each Saturday, so did my grandmother.
“Final summer season my Mother and I met him, his spouse Betty, and their supervisor Susan at a signing. Our condolences to #ProducePete’s household and buddies.”
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One other wrote “Relaxation in Peace Produce Pete.. One other NJ icon…He was 80 years outdated,” while a 3rd added: “Awww. That is unhappy. I liked watching #ProducePete on the weekends!
“What a vibrant spot each time he confirmed up on air. (And I discovered just a few issues from watching him too! ) Considering of his household – at house – and at @WNBC @PatBattle4NY.”
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