Jamie Spencer
Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, cofounder of Home Depot and a prominent Republican donor, passed away at the age of 95, the company announced on Tuesday. Marcus, who amassed a fortune through his pioneering role in the home improvement retail sector, leaves behind a legacy of philanthropy, business innovation, and political advocacy.
“The entire Home Depot family is deeply saddened by the death of our cofounder Bernie Marcus,” the company said in a statement. “We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Bernie.”
From Humble Beginnings to Retail Giant
Born in 1929 in Newark, New Jersey, Marcus was the youngest of four children in a family of Russian Jewish immigrants. He earned a degree in merchandising and marketing from Rutgers University, which set him on a path toward a successful career in retail. Marcus met Arthur Blank while working at Handy Dan Home Improvement, a chain in California, where they both were eventually fired. Together, they conceived the idea of Home Depot, envisioning a larger hardware store with better-trained staff.
Founded in 1978, Home Depot quickly grew into a retail powerhouse. Today, the company boasts more than 2,300 stores and a stock market valuation approaching $400 billion. Marcus served as CEO of Home Depot until 1997 and remained chairman until his retirement in 2002.
A Legacy of Giving
Beyond his business achievements, Marcus was known for his philanthropic work, particularly in Atlanta, where Home Depot is headquartered. Alongside his wife, Billi, he helped establish the Marcus Autism Center at Emory University, the Marcus Trauma Center at Grady Memorial Hospital, and the Marcus Heart and Vascular Center at Piedmont Hospital. In 2005, his $250 million grant funded the creation of the renowned Georgia Aquarium.
Arthur Blank, Marcus’ longtime friend and Home Depot cofounder, said in a statement: “I’m heartbroken at the passing of my dearest friend. His tremendous commitment to so many causes will live on, as will the immeasurable impact on countless individuals and families who have been blessed by his giving heart.”
A Polarizing Figure in Politics
An outspoken Republican, Marcus became a prominent donor to conservative causes and politicians, including John McCain, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former President Donald Trump. In recent years, Marcus was a frequent guest on conservative media outlets like Fox News, where he often voiced his concerns about the future of capitalism and the spread of what he described as “socialism” in the U.S.
Despite his political leanings, Marcus’ commitment to philanthropy was widely recognized. “He was a master merchant and a retail visionary,” Home Depot said in its statement. “But even more importantly, he valued our associates, customers, and communities above all.”
A Controversial Public Voice
In a 2022 interview with the Financial Times, Marcus lamented the state of free speech and the rise of “woke” culture, saying, “The woke people have taken over the world… I’m 93. Who gives a crap about Bernie Marcus?” His comments stirred controversy, but they reflected his lifelong belief in hard work and traditional values.
Despite facing public backlash for his political views, including calls to boycott Home Depot in 2016 and 2019 due to his support for Trump, Marcus remained unapologetic about his convictions.
A Lasting Impact
Bernie Marcus leaves behind a remarkable legacy—one that stretches beyond his business success to his profound contributions to charitable causes and his role as a major political figure. His story, from the son of immigrants to a billionaire philanthropist, stands as a testament to the American dream.
As Home Depot mourns the loss of its cofounder, the values Marcus instilled in the company—innovation, commitment to community, and relentless pursuit of excellence—will continue to shape the retail giant he helped build.
