Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Produce Pete, NYC Grocer and Chef, Dies at 80
Produce Pete, whose real name was Peter Napolitano, was a very famous grocer and chef in New York City.
He was known for his weekly fruit and vegetable segment on NBC's weekend morning news for over 33 years.
He was born in Bergenfield, New Jersey, in February 1945.
Everyone, including his family, called him 'Produce Pete'.
He recently had a heart condition and underwent a triple bypass surgery in June 2025.
Although the exact cause of his death is not known, he passed away at the age of 80.
Many people loved and respected him, and tributes poured in after the news of his passing.
Peter Napolitano, known as 'Produce Pete', was a beloved NYC grocer and chef who ran a weekly fruit and vegetable segment on NBC for over 33 years.
He was born in Bergenfield, New Jersey, in February 1945 and was 80 years old at the time of his death.
Produce Pete's cause of death was not officially revealed, but he had a heart condition and underwent a triple bypass surgery in June 2025.
His death was confirmed by Steven Bognar, the managing editor of NBC 4 New York, who praised his warmth, kindness, and love for his work.
Tributes poured in as the news of his passing broke, highlighting his status as a New York City food icon.
- Who
- Peter Napolitano, known as 'Produce Pete', a beloved NYC grocer and chef
- What
- Death of a long-time NBC New York weekend morning news fixture
- When
- At the age of 80
- Where
- New York City
- Why
- Cause of death not officially revealed, but he had a heart condition and underwent a triple bypass surgery in June 2025
- Full Name
- Peter Napolitano
- Nickname
- Produce Pete
- Age at Death
- 80
- Birthplace
- Bergenfield, New Jersey
- Birth Month/Year
- February 1945
- Profession
- Grocer and Chef
- TV Segment Duration
- Over 33 years
- Heart Condition
- Yes (underwent triple bypass surgery in June 2025)