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Bernard "Bernie" Marcus

1929 - 2024

Bernard "Bernie" Marcus obituary, 1929-2024, Boca Raton, FL

BORN

1929

DIED

2024

Bernard Marcus Obituary

Bernard Marcus, the larger-than-life billionaire everyone called "Bernie," died late Monday at the age of 95 in Boca Raton.

The son of impoverished Jewish immigrants, Marcus cofounded the Atlanta-based Home Depot chain of home-improvement stores.

He masterminded and financed downtown's Georgia Aquarium, and supported a multitude of charitable causes such as the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and the Marcus Autism Center. He also funneled millions of dollars into stroke research and treatment, as well as help for veterans and first responders with traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress and substance abuse issues.

Later in life he publicly committed to giving away the vast majority of his remaining wealth. By late 2024, his foundation said it had donated well over $2 billion.

Read more about Bernie Marcus on ajc.com
Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Nov. 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Marcus

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38 Entries

David lukacher

August 6, 2025

I knew Bernie Marcus from when I used to go to the Mjcca in Dunwoody may god comfort the mourners of Zion and Israel

David lukacher

July 16, 2025

I knew Bernard Marcus. May god comfort the morners of Zion and Israel ,and when I used to go to Mjcca

David Asher Lukacher

June 17, 2025

I knew Bernie Marcus from when I used to go to the Mjcca may god comfort the mourners of Zion and Israel

John M Johnson

March 16, 2025

I was fortunate enough to meet Bernie when I was a young man of 19 years old. I was employed at Handy Dan Hardware in Dallas (a company he co-founded) and was able to shake his hand. He showed up for the grand opening and I was amazed at the intense devotion to the concept he had. He was one of the first "gifted" businessmen I ever met. I was amazed at his friendly warmth, coupled with an intense desire to be the absolute best at the mission at hand; opening the absolute best hardware and "Home Improvement" stores in the world.
Because of what I learned there and
getting the first management / sales management positions I ever had, (my career is too involved a story to detail but hardly a day goes by that I don´t think of him) I became extremely successful and my first management position / sales position was indirectly, due to him. A perfect confirmation of all of the the above mentioned, I was able to found my own business and do very, very, VERY WELL as a result. God Blessed him, for sure.

David Asher Lukacher

January 24, 2025

I knew Bernard Marcus. May god comfort the morners of Zion and israil

David Asher Lukacher

January 11, 2025

I knew Bernard Marcus. May god comfort the morners. Of Zion and israil

David Asher Lukacher

January 6, 2025

I knew Bernie Marcus may god comfort the mourners of Zion and Israel

David Asher Lukacher

January 4, 2025

I knew Bernie Marcus
May god comfort the mourners of Zion and Israel

David Asher Lukacher

January 4, 2025

I knew Bernie Marcus from when I used to to the Mjcca

David Asher Lukacher

January 3, 2025

I knew Bernie Marcus may god comfort the mourners of Zion and Israel

David Asher Lukacher

January 3, 2025

I knew Bernie Marcus
May god comfort the mourners of Zion and Israel

David Asher Lukacher

December 31, 2024

I knew Bernie Marcus from when I used to to go the Mjcca

David Asher Lukacher

November 23, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

David Asher Lukacher

November 23, 2024

I remember Bernie Marcus
He was a great man

Susan Hartsfield

November 7, 2024

Such an honor and privilege to have known you , thank you for all you did for business and philanthropy in Atlanta ...Susan Hartsfield

Steve Davison

November 7, 2024

Thank you for your belief in all of The Home Depot associates. It was an honor to have met you. Thank you for all of that you have done to improve everyone´s life . Such a positive influence. RIP

Julie C. Knichel, RN

November 7, 2024

As an RN in the Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital/Baptist Health South Florida, I have had the pleasure of meeting Bernie Marcus on several occasions. Because of Bernie we are blessed to have access to the latest technology/equipment to care for our patients, which results in the most positive patient experience! He was a truly kind and generous person and we are so thankful. We were sorry to hear of his passing.

cindy dufield

November 7, 2024

As a current Home Depot associate - he will live on in our hearts. He has done som many amazing things for so many people - may his legacy live on.

so sorry for your loss - Cindy Dufield and Christina Marquez- store 2668

Dick Babousj

November 7, 2024

Thank G-d for sharing you with us. Dick Babush

Nate Palmer

November 7, 2024

I hope he saw the election outcome from above. My condolences to everyone he touched.

andrew VEHEC

November 7, 2024

as a home depot employee i am sad of bernies passing.even tho i dint get to meet him everything i have heard and read tells me he was a great man. rule the heavens home depot.

charles candler sadler

November 7, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jan Holley

November 6, 2024

My best friend & I met Mr. Marcus in an elevator in Dallas, TX. He was most gracious & friendly to two gals from Georgia . We´ve never forgotten our encounter !

Glen Button

November 6, 2024

I wish to offer my sincere condolences to Mr. Marcus' family. I never met Mr. Marcus, but he truly left an angelic legacy. As a part-time HD associate, and veteran, I really appreciate what Mr. Marcus has done for so many. I'm certain many agree with my sentiment.
With deepest sympathy,
G.C. Button

David Stinson

November 6, 2024

Rest In Peace Bernie Marcus!

Greatly appreciate all of your contributions to Atlanta including the Georgia Aquarium!

Vicki Newman

November 6, 2024

When I think of Bernie I think of a wonderful , kind , caring man.
My condolences to Billie and family

Robert Myers

November 6, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Dennis Carbocci

November 6, 2024

God bless Bernie for all he did for the world. His generocity will live forever. I was fortunate to have met him several times during my 31 years at the Home Depot. His positive message and straight talk was an inspiration to me and will always have my admiration and a place in my heart. My deepest sympathy goes out to Billie and his family.

Ed Sanger

November 6, 2024

In 1994 a sign at the exit of HD with Bernie's picture said " If you ever have a problem, let me know" . A letter went out and within 1 week I had a interview with Lyn Martineau at Corporate, and started at store # 105 there after in Electrical / Fan an Light Cloud D-29. One day while working fans Bernie arrived and started to speak with me about me, my job, and Home Depot. Needless to say I was star struck, such a great man and so down to earth. 18 years with Home Depot, taking advantage of all the benefits offered all is good. The biggest benefit was meeting Bernie, God Bless you my friend.

Bob Bahr

November 6, 2024

Once every so often an individual comes along, who by his strongly held values and his contributions to society makes a lasting imprint on the lives of us, all. Bernie was a man whose vision helped change the world.

Seth Burrows

November 6, 2024

Thanks for the help.

Rick Whitney

November 6, 2024

Mr. Marcus believed in Atlanta and Atlanta has benefitted from his leadership, his legacy and his generosity. You did good, kind sir. Thank you for everything that you have done for all of us.

Charles F Woodard III

November 5, 2024

I worked at a Home Depot store for 15 years until I retired in 2014. It was a better place to work when Bernie and Arthur were running it. Ten years later I still like to shop there though!

Neil Blumenauer

November 5, 2024

You did so much for so many... a true legend. Going to miss you Uncle Bernie.

Tom

November 5, 2024

Truly a wonderful man, A marvelous example, the kind of man I would love to be remembered for his goodness

Mitzie Wagy

November 5, 2024

Prayers for family. R.I.P...Mr Marcus. You were a legend

Larry Johnston

November 5, 2024

RIP Bernie. You were an amazing person!

Crystal Allen

November 5, 2024

What a great and inspirational man. His love and commitment to others will live on. This shows anyone can accomplish anything no matter where you come from. Live by example. My condolences to his family and friends.

Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results

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