The culinary world lost a true gem yesterday when Pete Napolitano died. Although he lived a good life , he will still be missed- namely by foodies around the world,
It's amazing how a green grocer from Bergenfield, New Jersey received such claim and media attention. Yet everyone fell in love with the gravelly voiced expert . He was born in the thriving New Jersey town of Bergenfield New Jersey in February of 1945. His family more or less always had a green grocer or fruit and veg stand. It was his mother,however that fornly planted the roots of the business when she sold watermelons that her husband, Pete's father found for he on a gas station property.It became a success and Napolitano Farms was born.They sold seasonal things, like fir trees at CHristmas, lilies at Easter and pumpkins for Halloween. Of course there were veggies and fruit, perfect for new young families moving in from the cities and looking for a taste of farm fresh The Napolitanos provided them with all that. They grew and Pete Senior became so successful he bought summer and winter homes.
Yet it was the son who became famous, taking over the business in the 1970's. By then there were a few farms left in busy and rapidly growing Bergenc county but none were really in the center of a town. People had to drive towards Montvale and Upper Saddle River to get a taste of freshly grown anything.Not so for the people for Bergenfield and the neighboring towns of Teaneck, Dumont and New Milford,Pete could also be seen at the Hunts; Point Market in the Bronx where he was a regular feature for many years.Local new station NBC New York took notice of this man and gave him a weekly spot on their Saturday morning news show. His advice was priceless even when he was on the Italian American network too (check out his videos for them on You Tube. There is info and recipes every home chef should have). He acquired a fan base that included Tina Fey of Saturday night and Thirty Rock Fame. She loved his advice too as did everyone.
It is tough to lose a person as valuable and loved as Produce Pete. Yet his advice will live on with every recipe and visit to the store. He was one of a kind.
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