Updated: The arrangements for Bernie Marcus are as follows. The funeral will take place at the Temple on Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. It will be immediately followed with close friends and family graveside service at Arlington Memorial Park. Then at 7 p.m., there will be Shiva at the Temple.
Bernie Marcus, a co-founder of the Home Depot, died Nov. 4 in Boca Raton, Fla. He was 95 years old.
In the last chapter of his life, Marcus spent his energy giving away many of the billions of dollars he had made as an entrepreneur through the Marcus Foundation.
In a release Tuesday morning, the foundation said Bernie and his wife, Billi Marcus, had granted more than $2.7 billion through more than 3,500 grants. Those grants focused on medical research, health institutions, Jewish causes, free enterprise, veteran initiatives, child welfare, civics education and the community.
One of the more visible contributions he made in Atlanta was the building of the Georgia Aquarium, which helped solidify downtown’s place as a center for tourism and attractions.
“Bernie’s mark on our world is unmeasurable,” A.J. Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress, wrote in a text. “It goes far beyond the creation of Home Depot and its iconic effect on the world of commerce. His philanthropic work here in Atlanta and across the globe has literally saved lives, created thousands of jobs and moved communities in so many ways. His work and contributions will benefit and inspire all of us for generations to come.”
Marcus, who wore his heart on his sleeve, was passionate about every cause. He was a staunch Republican and supporter of former President Donald Trump. His business partner, Arthur Blank, a Democrat, often provided a political balance. The two were able to work together on numerous causes and remain close friends throughout the years.
“Bernie was a remarkable man whose vision built empires, whose kindness uplifted countless lives and whose legacy of generosity will forever light our way,” said Marc Adler, founder of Macquarium. “His influence and compassion will continue to be cherished by the Atlanta community he served so wholeheartedly.”
The family and the Marcus Foundation will share information on his memorial service, and when they do, we will update this post.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, the Marcus family asks that folks consider a donation to one of the following groups or to any other organizations meaningful to the donor: RootOne, Avalon Action Alliance, Marcus Autism Center, Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center at Grady, Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Israel Democracy Institute or the Marcus National Blood Services Center.
Here is the obituary posted by the Marcus Foundation:
Bernie Marcus, born on May 12, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey, is a name synonymous with entrepreneurial success and generous philanthropy.
In 1979, he co-founded The Home Depot, now the world’s largest home improvement retailer, served as its first CEO, and was chairman until his retirement in 2002. The company began in 1978, and opened its first two stores in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1979. The company grew to embody the ideals of its founders, Bernie, Arthur Blank and Ken Langone – treat employees and their local communities as family, reward associates with stock options, and provide associates and their families with financial assistance in times of need. There are now approximately 500,000 associates and more than 2,300 stores in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with revenues of $152.7 billion in 2023.
For many people, creating a successful company would have been the achievement of a lifetime. But Bernie, and his wife Billi, began to focus their energy and resources on philanthropy.
The core values of The Home Depot – taking care of its people, giving back to its communities, and doing the right thing – became the fundamental principles of The Marcus Foundation, which Bernie founded in 1989. Bernie’s entrepreneurial business approach characterized his unique brand of hands-on philanthropy.
Since its founding, The Marcus Foundation has granted more than $2.7 billion through 3,500+ grants. Their contributions support a wide range of causes, including medical research; Jewish causes; free enterprise, including veteran initiatives and national security; the health and welfare of children, with an emphasis on civics education; and targeted community support.Through these focus areas, Bernie and Billi’s philanthropy has made a significant impact on changing and saving countless lives.
Bernie Marcus was born on May 12, 1929, the youngest of four children of Sara and Joe Marcus, poor Russian immigrants in Newark, New Jersey. They lived in a fourth-floor walkup tenement, and it was there he learned from his mother the importance of giving back, “Tzedakah.” He began working at age 11 to help support his family, with jobs including grocery store and candy store clerk, a theater usher, a magician and a hypnotist. He attended Southside High School, was named Most Popular, served on the swim team, and graduated in 1947. He had a propensity for medicine and his dream was to go to medical school and be a doctor – a psychiatrist. When he completed most of his pre-med courses at Rutgers University, he was told he had secured a scholarship to, and been accepted to, Harvard Medical School. His dream was not to be realized: a quota on Jewish students required an additional admission fee that was much more than his family could afford. He returned to Rutgers and graduated with a degree in pharmacy in 1954.
In the following years, Mr. Marcus climbed the corporate ladder at some of America’s leading retail companies, including Two Guys, Daylin and Handy Dan. Being fired by Handy Dan in 1978, Mr. Marcus often said, was both the lowest point in his life and the moment of his greatest opportunity. For years, he had envisioned a store where you could put all home improvement supplies under one roof, cut out the middleman, and pass the savings on to the customers. On June 29, 1978, The Home Depot was incorporated, and its first two Home Depot stores opened in Atlanta, Georgia in 1979. Soon, America became a nation of do-it-yourselfers, and The Home Depot became, and continues to be one of the nation’s most successful and respected companies.
The success of The Home Depot allowed Bernie and Billi to establish The Marcus Foundation. It also compelled them to create a cultural asset, The Georgia Aquarium, that would give thanks to the people of Atlanta and Georgia, who had supported them from the very beginning. It was the largest single grant The Marcus Foundation has ever given, and it opened in 2005 as the largest aquarium in the world.
Their extraordinary generosity has been widely recognized for its enduring impact. Bernie and Billi Marcus were recently named the 2024 Philanthropists of the Year by Forbes and have received The Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, given to individuals who have served with distinction in public life. Mr. Marcus was named the inaugural recipient of Inc. 500’s Bernard A. Goldhirsh Award, was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame, and has received the USO Patriot Award, and the Sea Keeper Award for promoting the restoration and protection of the world’s oceans.
The Marcuses were among the first to sign the Giving Pledge and have been recognized among the top 20 donors in the country.
Mr. Marcus co-authored two books, Built From Scratch, How a Couple of Regular Guys Grew The Home Depot from Nothing to $30 Billion, and Kick Up Some Dust, Lessons on Thinking Big, Giving Back and Doing It Yourself. These books offer a glimpse into his remarkable journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Bernie Marcus’s life story is one of extraordinary perseverance, innovative and entrepreneurial thinking, and heartfelt generosity. From his humble beginnings in a New Jersey tenement to the heights of business success and philanthropy, Bernie’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make. His story embodies the spirit of dreaming big, working hard, and always giving back—a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift countless lives.
Statement by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of the Home Depot and owner/chairman of Blank Family of Businesses, on the passing of Bernie Marcus:
“I am heartbroken at the passing of my dearest friend, Bernie Marcus. Today, I’ve lost a father-figure, mentor, brother and business and life partner. While this loss is profoundly painful, I am grateful for the close to 60 years we spent together, navigating challenges and celebrating successes, and I am honored to have been part of Bernie’s remarkable life .
Bernie’s impact extends far beyond the aisles of our stores; his philanthropic efforts touched countless lives and communities. He believed in the power of giving back and dedicated himself to making a difference in the world. His commitment to innovation, integrity and service was an inspiration to everyone who knew him, including me. His passion for improving people’s lives drove his generosity, and it was part of his DNA in leading The Home Depot and continued through his life and will continue well beyond his passing. Beyond Bernie’s professional success, Bernie’s devotion to his beautiful family was equally admirable.
On behalf of my entire family and our family of businesses, I send my deepest condolences to his dear wife and my friend, Billi Marcus, and their beautiful family. We join the city of Atlanta, the nation of The Home Depot associates and those that have had the distinct honor of knowing Bernie in mourning the loss of a leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist, humanitarian and friend.
Bernie’s 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. I will forever carry his memory and influence on my life with me.”
Jared Powers, CEO of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, on behalf of the Marcus JCC:
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (Marcus JCC) mourns the loss of Bernie Marcus, a visionary philanthropist, devoted community leader, and beloved friend to our agency and the entire Jewish community. Bernie’s enduring generosity and unwavering philanthropic support to the Marcus JCC transformed our organization in ways beyond measure, ensuring that our agency remained innovative, vibrant, inclusive, and a safe hub for Jewish life. His tremendous philanthropy shaped the Marcus JCC’s past and present and has inspired countless individuals and future generations to celebrate their Jewish values and connect with each other. His legacy lives on in the spaces he helped create, the lives he impacted, and the community he strengthened. We are deeply grateful for his lifetime of leadership and philanthropic investments, both to our organization and our greater community. His generosity and extraordinary vision no doubt impacted hundreds of thousands of people served by the Marcus JCC over the decades. The entire Jewish community in Atlanta is better for having Bernie Marcus as its champion and role model.
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