Home Depot Co-Founder and GOP Megadonor Bernie Marcus Dies at 95

Nov 5, 2024, 03:41 PM

Bernard "Bernie" Marcus, the billionaire co-founder of The Home Depot and a prominent Republican megadonor, has died at the age of 95 at his home in Boca Raton, Florida. A former pharmacist, Marcus co-founded The Home Depot in 1978 at nearly 50 years old after being fired from a previous job. He served as the company's first CEO for 19 years and was chairman of the board until his retirement in 2002. Under his leadership, The Home Depot grew into the world's largest home improvement retailer, creating countless jobs and transforming the American retail landscape. Known for his business acumen and customer service genius, Marcus amassed a fortune estimated at $7.4 billion. He was also a significant philanthropist, funding projects like the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and the Stroke Center and Trauma & Emergency Room at Grady Health. Marcus founded the Job Creators Network to advocate for small businesses. The Home Depot expressed gratitude, stating, "We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Bernie." Prominent figures such as Newt Gingrich and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy praised him as an extraordinary entrepreneur and patriot whose life epitomized the American Dream.