Peter J. Napolitano "Produce Pete"

Peter J. Napolitano Jr.,80, of North Haledon, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Pete was born on February 23, 1945, in Englewood, New Jersey, and was raised in Bergenfield, a town he would always proudly call home. From a young age, he developed a deep appreciation for food, people, and community. As a boy, he began selling fruits and vegetables at the local farmers market, and peddled produce from door to door.That is where his strong work ethic and natural ability to connect with others shaped the man he would become.

Pete was a longtime small business owner, operating Napolitano’s Produce Inc. in Bergenfield for 37 years. What began as a small neighborhood operation grew into a three-generation family business that served the community for a total of 53 years. Known for quality, honesty, and Pete’s unmistakable personality, the store became a trusted and familiar presence in town.

Widely recognized as Produce Pete, he later became a beloved fixture on NBC Weekend Today in New York, where he shared his expertise and enthusiasm for fresh produce with viewers across the tristate area and beyond. Whether on television or out in public, Pete’s down-to-earth style and authenticity made him a favorite among audiences for more than three decades.

In addition to his work in business and television, Pete was also an author of three books, written with the same goal that guided his career: to educate, inspire, and share his love of produce and the people behind it.

Beyond his public roles, Pete’s favorite role was being a family man. He met his wife Bette at Bowla Bowla in Bergenfield. She was 14 and he was 16. Together they formed a love that inspires most and a marriage that lasted almost 60 years.

Pete treasured summers at the Jersey Shore with his family, tending to his garden, visiting farm stands across the state, and meeting and hosting family and friends for dinners which were always filled with stories and laughter. He was deeply proud of his Bergenfield roots and believed strongly in giving back to the community that gave him his start. Those who knew Pete best will remember his devotion to his family, his love of conversation, and the way he made everyone feel welcome.

Pete is survived by the love of his life, his wife Bette, with whom he shared a lifetime of devotion; his loving children, Peter and Cheryl; his son-in-law, Brian; his seven cherished grandchildren Nicholas and his wife Geraldine, Griffin, Jaedyn, Zachary, Alexandra, Jake and Gabriella. He is also survived by his sister Louise Anne (LuAnne) and her husband Allan, his brother David, sister in law Lois and his nephews and their wives Keith & Danielle, Kurt & Nicole, and predeceased by his nephew Kenneth; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who meant the world to him.

Services

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Riewerts Funeral Home, Bergenfield, New Jersey.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the “Produce Pete” Napolitano Memorial Scholarship, to be created in his memory to support a Bergenfield High School graduate whose life reflects perseverance, hard work, and a love for community.

Please send checks to:

Bergenfield Board of Education 

Care of the Business Office

225 West Clinton Avenue Bergenfield NJ 07621

Acknowledgments

Our family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and kind words from family, friends, colleagues at NBC, Katzman Produce, local farmers, Valley Hospital, and the many loyal fans who supported Pete and celebrated his work throughout the years.