Farewell to a Local Legend: North Jersey Mourns the Loss of “Produce Pete” Napolitano
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Bergenfield NJ, The Tri-State area has lost one of its most beloved neighbors. Pete Napolitano, the North Jersey icon affectionately known to millions as “Produce Pete,” has passed away at the age of 80.
For over 30 years, Pete was a Saturday morning staple on WNBC’s Weekend Today in New York, where he turned the simple act of picking out a peach into a masterclass in healthy living. From his humble roots in Bergenfield to the bright lights of Rockefeller Center, Pete’s journey was a quintessential American success story.
From a Watermelon Stand to WNBC Fame
Pete’s story began in 1953 in a parking lot on South Washington Avenue. His father started a modest business selling watermelons, which eventually blossomed into a Bergen County institution.
Pete took over the family produce business in 1971, serving the community for decades before passing the torch to his son. While he was a master of the local trade, it was a sudden phone call in 1989 that changed his life.
-
The Debut: Pete first appeared on WOR-TV to discuss a public health scare regarding grapes.
-
The Response: Viewers fell in love with his authentic, spirited, and down-to-earth delivery.
-
The Legacy: WNBC quickly snatched him up, and for the next three decades, “Produce Pete” became a household name, teaching us that the best “pharmacy” is often found in the produce aisle—a concept he famously explored in his book, Farmacopeia.
A Mission of Health and Education
Beyond the TV screen, Napolitano was a tireless advocate for nutrition. He frequently visited elementary and high schools throughout Bergen and Passaic Counties, teaching the next generation about the importance of natural foods.
Whether he was explaining how to spot a ripe melon or the benefits of seasonal eating, his goal was simple: Make people healthier through the food they eat.
“He didn’t just sell vegetables; he sold a way of life that respected the earth and our bodies.”
Remembering the Man Behind the Apron
Born in Bergenfield and a resident of North Haledon, Pete was a Jersey boy through and through. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife, Bette, their two children, and seven grandchildren.
While the family business closed its doors in 2006, the lessons Pete shared—on air and in person—remain a permanent part of the North Jersey fabric.
Produce Pete’s Life at a Glance
| Milestone | Detail |
| Business Roots | Started in Bergenfield, NJ (1953) |
| TV Career | 30+ years on WNBC’s Weekend Today in New York |
| Famous Publication | Farmacopeia: Produce Pete’s Guide to Fruits and Vegetables |
| Education | Tenafly Elementary, Bergenfield High School |
PhillyFaces: The Ultimate Destination for Lifestyle Modeling and Acting
https://phillyfaces.com/phillyfaces-the-ultimate-destination-for-lifestyle-modeling-and-acting/
#Actors #Models #Talent #Casting #Subscribe #Opportunities #DreamsComeTru
