In April of 1989, in the midst of the phantom cyanide grape scare concerning Chilean grapes, Mr. Napolitano got a call from a local television station to discuss the situation on a program called “People Are Talking.” His segment was well received by viewers and he signed on for a regular daily gig called “Pete Your Produce Pal” to talk about his expertise.  

Mr. Napolitano found his niche and over the next couple of years he honed his style at a couple of different stations. In September of 1992, he was hired by WNBC Channel 4 for the "Weekend Today in New York" show with a 52-week contract as "Produce Pete" / "Pete Your Produce Pal".

While he appeared on countless regional and national television shows over the years, for decades “Weekend Today” has been his TV home ever since, providing advice on selecting fruits and vegetables, and dispensing recipes and recommendations. He was known for his “Heavy in the Hand” admonition as he described the perfect attribute for a great piece of fruit. His signature sign-off every day was, "If you eat right, you’re going to live right!"

Both of those phrases were referred to often by his many fans who posted on his Facebook page following his death.

It was WNBC in New York that announced Mr. Napolitano’s death on the day he died. “For more than 30 years, WNBC viewers tuned in on Saturday mornings to watch ‘Produce Pete’ offer his fruit and vegetables recommendations as well as cooking tips on ‘Weekend Today in New York,’” said Senior Vice President of News Amy Morris. “He was a beloved member of our station family and our viewers felt the same way — visiting him at our Health Expo, our Feeding our Families Food Drives or the many farmers markets across New Jersey where he always felt right at home.”

His cause of death was not disclosed. Napolitano is survived by his wife, Bette, as well as their two children and seven grandchildren.

He was never content to rest on the laurels of his weekend show, as Produce Pete was always available and made many public appearances as well as on-the-air interviews. Among his more notable television credits were: Discovery Channel - Home Matters; Woman's Home Network with Joan Lunden; The View; The NBC Today Show; and the Dr. Oz show. Mr. Napolitano made guest appearances at too many local shows to count and served as spokesperson for several companies over the years, including Bionova Produce/Masters Touch, Pathmark Supermarkets and Bella Vita. He always made it his mission to teach people about healthy eating and the importance of natural food, especially to young people as he often spoke at schools, talking to children of all ages in his thick New Jersey accent.

Produce Pete’s biography also boasts his authorship of three books: his own cookbook titled “In The Kitchen With Bette (his wife) & Produce Pete”; Produce Pete's Farmacopeia: From Apples to Zucchini, and Everything in Between; and his 2023 memoir “They Call Me Produce Pete.”

His memoir and his produce “Farmacopeia” are available on Amazon. Of They Call Me Produce Pete, the book seller gives a synopsis of the author's story that captures who he was in a few sentences: “Napolitano shares candid memories of growing up poor in post-WWII America, striving to achieve the American Dream, and landing unexpected fame as one of the nation’s leading experts on produce. Sprinkled with touching stories, photos and family recipes that have held a special place in his heart throughout his life, They Call me Produce Pete is a nostalgic nod to simpler times and a must-read for anyone who dares to dream the impossible.”

He was always very proud of his roots and his family’s success. During a 2025 appearance on the Today show, Mr. Napolitano said: “I come from immigrant people. My father came here from Italy. No education, no nothing. And then, you know, I got lucky 35 years ago when someone was in my store and put me on a local show.”

Through it all, he still remained very attached to the fresh produce business. In June 2000, he joined Katzman Produce at the Hunts Point Produce Market in New York, as a fruit and vegetable buyer. Though he did not work full time, he continued with the company for the past 20-plus years, which clearly allowed him to advance his produce education and keep his finger on the pulse of the industry. He was a constant presence at trade shows for decades.

“I knew Pete for 55 years,” noted Stephen Katzman, owner and president of Katzman Produce. “He was genuine, humble, honest and a great friend. He had strong family values, immense integrity and a heart of gold. Pete, Bette and the Napolitanos are our family. We will miss him very much.”

The Napolitanos and Katzmans worked together for generations dating backing to the opening of Napolitano Produce in the middle of the last century. Katzman CEO Stefanie Katzman has only fond memories of Mr. Napolitano. “Pete was kind and cared so much about others. He was always willing to help anyone who asked, no matter the request. That was Pete,” she said. “Pete provided an incredible service not only to the produce industry, but to our entire community, inspiring families to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and live better, healthier lives. He’s made a lasting impact and will be deeply missed.”