Bernie Marcus

Bernard “Bernie” Marcus was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist best known as co-founder of Home Depot (1978). Serving as its first CEO and chairman, he helped grow the company into the world's largest home improvement retailer. After retiring in 2002, Marcus focused on philanthropy through the Marcus Foundation—donating billions to medical research, cultural institutions such as the Georgia Aquarium, autism care, Jewish and Israeli causes, and veteran services. A staunch advocate for free enterprise, he was also a prominent Republican donor. He passed away at his home in Boca Raton, Florida, at age 95.