Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot and a prominent philanthropist, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024, at his home in Boca Raton, Florida. He was 95 years old.
Born on May 12, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey, Marcus was the youngest son of Russian Jewish immigrants. He grew up in a tenement and graduated from South Side High School in 1947. Initially aspiring to become a doctor, Marcus was accepted to Harvard Medical School but could not afford the tuition. Instead, he earned a pharmacy degree from Rutgers University.
Marcus’s career in retail began with various positions, eventually leading him to become CEO of Handy Dan Improvement Centers, a Los Angeles-based chain of home improvement stores. In 1978, after being fired from Handy Dan, Marcus, Arthur Blank, and investor Ken Langone co-founded The Home Depot.
The company’s first two stores opened on June 22, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia. With its warehouse concept, it revolutionized the home improvement industry, growing to over 2,300 stores across North America and employing nearly half a million people.
Under Marcus’s leadership as CEO for 19 years and later as chairman until his retirement in 2002, The Home Depot became the world’s largest home improvement retailer. Marcus was known for his commitment to customer service and innovative retail approach. “He was a master merchant and a retail visionary,” a Home Depot spokesperson said. “But even more importantly, he valued our associates, customers, and communities above all.”
Beyond his business achievements, Marcus was a dedicated philanthropist. He and his wife, Billi, established The Marcus Foundation, focusing on Jewish causes, children, medical research, free enterprise, and community efforts. Notably, Marcus donated $250 million to help build the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
Marcus was also a prominent political donor, supporting Republican candidates and causes. He was an early supporter of former President Donald Trump, contributing millions to his campaigns. In a 2019 interview, Marcus stated, “I give money to them because I hope they’re going to do the right thing.
In his later years, Marcus advocated for free-market principles and small businesses. He founded the Job Creators Network, a conservative advocacy group, to support small business owners and promote policies favorable to entrepreneurship.
Marcus’s legacy is marked by his significant contributions to the business world and charitable causes. His vision transformed the retail industry, and his philanthropic efforts have deeply impacted communities and individuals. As The Home Depot spokesperson noted, “The entire Home Depot family is deeply saddened by the death of our co-founder Bernie Marcus.”