Bernie Marcus Dies

Marcus’s contributions to society have made him a celebrated figure in Georgia and beyond.

Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot and an influential philanthropist, has a compelling life story marked by business success, impactful philanthropy, and support for conservative and Jewish causes. Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1929, Marcus was raised by Russian Jewish immigrant parents who struggled financially.

He worked various jobs, including as a cabinetmaker, before studying pharmacy at Rutgers University. Marcus transitioned into retail management, and in 1978, he was fired from his job as a hardware store executive. This setback, however, led him to partner with Arthur Blank1, and together they launched The Home Depot in 1979, revolutionizing the home improvement industry with their warehouse-style model.

Under their leadership, the company rapidly expanded, making Marcus a billionaire by the 1990s. Marcus retired from Home Depot in 2002 and turned his attention to philanthropy, focusing on initiatives in healthcare, education, and Jewish causes.

His Marcus Foundation has donated millions to health research, including the Marcus Autism Center2 in Atlanta and the CDC’s emergency response to anthrax. In 2005, he fulfilled a long-held dream of creating the Georgia Aquarium3, the world’s largest at its opening, investing $250 million of his own funds.

The aquarium is not only a popular attraction but also a center for marine research and education, contributing significantly to Atlanta’s tourism and conservation efforts. A committed supporter of Jewish and Israeli causes, Marcus has donated generously to Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Federation and projects that support Israeli democracy and security.

He is a noted benefactor of the Israeli Defense Forces and has funded the establishment of facilities that promote democratic values and research. Politically, Marcus is known for his conservative stance, having donated to Republican candidates and causes.

Other Marcus Endeavors
  • Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center at Grady
  • Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital
  • Magen David Adom Marcus National Blood Services Center in Israel

He has been outspoken in his support for free-market policies and criticized regulations he views as restrictive to business growth. Marcus co-authored the book Built from Scratch with Arthur Blank, detailing the journey and challenges of founding The Home Depot. Personally, he has been married twice and is known for his hands-on approach to philanthropy, often directly overseeing the Marcus Foundation’s activities.

Marcus and his wife, Billi, were also part of “The Giving Pledge” along with Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Elon Musk and other wealthy individuals. The organization supports philanthropists who commit to giving a majority of their wealth to charity.

Marcus’s contributions to society have made him a celebrated figure in Georgia and beyond. His legacy encompasses transformative changes in retail, significant contributions to public health and education, and a lasting impact on Jewish and Israeli communities.

The entire Home Depot family is deeply saddened by the death of our cofounder Bernie Marcus. We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Bernie.

The Home Depot

Bernie Marcus died Monday, November 4, 2025, in Boca Raton, Florida, surrounded by family. He died of natural causes at 95 years old. Bernie is survived by his wife Billi, his sons Fred Marcus (Nancy) and Michael Morris, and was predeceased by daughter Susanne Marcus Collins. He had seven grandchildren and dozens of nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Footnotes
  1. Arthur Blank is an influential American entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of The Home Depot, a company he launched in 1978 with Bernie Marcus, which transformed home improvement retail. After leaving The Home Depot in 2001, Blank focused on sports and philanthropy, purchasing the Atlanta Falcons and establishing Atlanta United FC, an MLS team that quickly achieved notable success. He also funded the development of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a cutting-edge facility for both teams. Through the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Blank has donated over $800 million, with a focus on youth development, community-building, and environmental initiatives. A signatory of The Giving Pledge, Blank champions values of integrity and social responsibility, which he discusses in his 2020 book, Good Company. ↩︎
  2. The Marcus Autism Center, based in Atlanta and affiliated with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, is one of the largest autism centers in the United States. Known for pioneering research, it offers comprehensive clinical evaluations, therapies, and support programs for children with autism. The center is unique in its designation as an Autism Center of Excellence by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a title awarded to only a few institutions. This grant-backed distinction supports the Marcus Center’s work in developing early diagnostic methods and interventions, including studies identifying social communication deviations in infants that could predict autism spectrum disorder. Research at the Marcus Autism Center extends across genetics, neurodevelopment, and behavioral sciences, often in collaboration with Emory University School of Medicine and the Yerkes National Primate Research Center. The center also emphasizes community outreach, offering educational resources to families and training for healthcare providers, aiming to improve early autism detection and intervention on a broad scale. ↩︎
  3. The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, containing over 11 million gallons of water and thousands of marine animals. Opened in 2005, it was made possible by a generous $250 million donation from businessman Bernard Marcus, who envisioned the aquarium as a way to inspire public interest in marine conservation. The facility showcases diverse aquatic habitats, from the giant Ocean Voyager exhibit, home to whale sharks and manta rays, to Cold Water Quest, featuring beluga whales and African penguins. Conservation efforts are integral to the Georgia Aquarium, which supports rescue and rehabilitation programs for sea lions and other marine life, and partners with universities for ongoing research. Educational initiatives and interactive exhibits engage visitors of all ages, making it both an entertaining and educational destination for millions each year.. ↩︎
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Author: Doyle

I was born in Atlanta, moved to Alpharetta at 4, lived there for 53 years and moved to Decatur in 2016. I've worked at such places as Richway, North Fulton Medical Center, Management Science America (Computer Tech/Project Manager) and Stacy's Compounding Pharmacy (Pharmacy Tech).

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