Home Depot Co-Founder Bernie Marcus Passes at 95, Leaving Legacy of Retail Innovation and Philanthropy
November 5, 2024Marcus died at his home in Boca Raton, Florida, surrounded by family, leaving behind a fortune estimated at $7.5 billion.
Under his leadership, Home Depot grew to over 2,300 stores and employed more than 465,000 workers, generating nearly $153 billion in revenue in 2023.
Bernie Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot, passed away at the age of 95, leaving a legacy that has prompted an outpouring of sadness from the Home Depot family and beyond.
Home Depot honored Marcus as a 'master merchant and retail visionary,' highlighting his deep commitment to associates, customers, and the communities he served.
Born in 1929 to Russian-Jewish immigrants in Newark, New Jersey, Marcus co-founded The Home Depot in 1978 with Arthur Blank, serving as chairman until his retirement in 2002.
A dedicated philanthropist, Marcus donated over $2 billion throughout his life, focusing on health care, civic projects in Georgia, and Jewish causes through The Marcus Foundation.
He and his wife, Billi, committed to the Giving Pledge in 2010, vowing to donate the majority of their wealth during their lifetimes.
Politically active, Marcus was a significant supporter of the Republican Party, contributing millions to Donald Trump's campaigns and publicly endorsing him for a second term.
He was vocal about his concerns regarding rising antisemitism in the U.S. and criticized the current work ethic, expressing fears about the spread of socialism.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp mourned Marcus's death, acknowledging his profound impact on both Georgia and the nation.
Tributes poured in online, celebrating Marcus's influence on business and philanthropy, with many recognizing his role as a mentor and father figure to those close to him.
He is survived by his wife, Billi, their three children, and grandchildren, to whom he dedicated his book, 'Kick Up Some Dust: Lessons on Thinking Big, Giving Back, and Doing It Yourself.'
Summary based on 15 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Nov 5, 2024
Bernie Marcus, Home Depot cofounder and Trump mega-donor, dies aged 95Business Insider • Nov 5, 2024
Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus has died at 95ABC News • Nov 5, 2024
Bernie Marcus, The Home Depot co-founder and billionaire philanthropist, dies at 95NBC News • Nov 5, 2024
Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus dies