Honoring the legacy of Bernie Marcus

Bernie Marcus was a visionary and trailblazer whose boundless compassion reshaped the autism community and empowered millions to reach their potential. From co-founding The Home Depot to establishing the Marcus Autism Center, his legacy is one of transformative impact and steadfast dedication. Today, we mourn his passing and with deep gratitude, we honor Bernie’s life and reflect on his enduring contributions.

Bernie embodied the spirit of resilience and ambition. From humble beginnings, he built a remarkable legacy as co-founder of The Home Depot, introducing the "do-it-yourself" philosophy that empowered millions to take their goals into their own hands. As we honor Bernie Marcus, we celebrate his enduring legacy of generosity and dedication to the autism community.

In addition to his philanthropic achievements, Bernie served on the Autism Speaks Board of Directors from 2005 to 2014, a period that solidified his role as a guiding force in our mission. Bernie’s entrepreneurial spirit extended seamlessly into his philanthropic work. He believed that leading by example could inspire others to effect change, and it was this compassion that guided his lifelong dedication to the autism community. After learning of an employee’s struggles in caring for her autistic son, Bernie and The Marcus Foundation founded the Marcus Autism Center in 1991, advancing research to help countless children and families through early autism diagnosis.

In recognition of his profound impact, Bernie was honored in 2024 as the first recipient of the Bob Wright Philanthropy Award, a testament to his legacy of compassion, generosity, and leadership in the autism community.

In 2005, Bernie recognized the need for a unifying voice in autism advocacy and provided a transformational $25 million gift to establish Autism Speaks. His generosity and vision gave rise to a movement that has transformed the field of autism through awareness, advocacy, research, and support services. At that time, 1 in 166 children were diagnosed with autism; today, due to advancements in early screening and provider confidence—achievements Bernie championed—1 in 36 children receive diagnoses, unlocking vital early interventions and resources that continue to change lives.

Today, Autism Speaks serves over a million people annually, thanks to Bernie’s visionary leadership and steadfast belief that awareness and advocacy could empower people to achieve their own goals and build fulfilling lives. His leadership through The Marcus Foundation continues to touch the lives of 5.4 million autistic adults in the United States, as estimated by the CDC, as well as countless others across every stage of life. His spirit of giving will forever be woven into the fabric of Autism Speaks.

Thank you, Bernie, for your visionary heart and commitment to a brighter future for all.