Beloved NBC New York Personality 'Produce Pete' Dies at 80

While several beloved celebrities have died in 2026 so far, a recent loss has hit many people especially hard. Throughout television history, there have been very few people who've managed to make viewers delighted due to their lovable charm. After decades brightening Saturday mornings for NBC New York viewers, one of those people, "Produce Pete," has passed away.

Peter "Produce Pete" Napolitano Passes Away at 80, Sparking an Outpouring of Tributes

Sad news to share from the NBC New York family ... Produce Pete has passed away at 80. His warmth, kindness and love for his work will be missed by all of us. pic.twitter.com/o8JgiqaAZU

— Steven Bognar (@Bogs4NY) January 26, 2026

On January 26, 2026, WNBC-TV's Managing Editor Steven Bognar, @Bogs4NY, announced on X that Peter 'Produce Pete' Napolitano had died at 80 years old. "Sad news to share from the NBC New York family ... Produce Pete has passed away at 80. His warmth, kindness and love for his work will be missed by all of us."

In the aftermath of that revelation, fans began flooding X with tributes. One such person, @louie3020, expressed their appreciation for what Produce Pete had taught dedicated viewers. "He taught us how to pick the right fruits & veggies RIP produce Pete." Another grateful viewer, @MommaTuffLuv, posted, "RIP Produce Pete! ????Thank you for teaching us about the foods we need to eat and how to pick a good one! ????????????????????????????????"

RIP Produce Pete! ????Thank you for teaching us about the foods we need to eat and how to pick a good one! ????????????????????????????????

— MommaTuffLuv????☮️????????‍☠️✊???? (@MommaTuffLuv) January 27, 2026

Two more users kept it simple. @JoJoFromJerz wrote, "Oh no! This is so sad. Rest in peace, produce Pete. ????" While @MekoStarchild added, "This man was amazing! I’m gonna miss Produce Pete so much." The heartwarming reactions from fans and colleagues alike prove how impactful the NBC New York mainstay's life was.

'Produce Pete' Was a TV Star for Decades

Weekend NBC New York mainstay ‘Produce Pete’ dies at 80 https://t.co/wFHQfpIY6M pic.twitter.com/RxMkGng33q

— New York Post (@nypost) January 27, 2026

Following the death of Peter "Produce Pete" Napolitano, the New York Postshared details of his life, which included more than 33 years of NBC New York appearances. The outlet reported that he spent more than five decades working for his family's store, Napolitano’s Produce, which he helped turn into a New Jersey destination. His personal website also states that Napolitano wrote multiple books, hosted cooking classes, and served as a guest speaker who extolled the virtues of healthy eating at schools.

The New York Post went on to quote Produce Pete from a Today show appearance, explaining how his unlikely TV career began. “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."

Most of all, Produce Pete connected with viewers thanks to his infectious personality and vast knowledge of produce. He also became beloved for his iconic tagline. “If you eat right, you’re going to live right!” Based on how many years he spent bringing joy into the hearts of fans while providing valuable health information, Napolitano certainly seemed to live right.

Our thoughts are with Peter 'Produce Pete' Napolitano’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.