In 1978, he came up with the idea of a warehouse-style store that would appeal to the do-it-yourself homeowner. With a partner’s help it became the world’s largest home-improvement retailer.

New York – Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, the co-founder of The Home Depot, a billionaire philanthropist, and a big Republican donor, has died. He was 95. Marcus died Monday in Boca Raton, Florida, surrounded by family, according to a Home Depot spokesperson.

The Home Depot is deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved founder, Bernard Marcus,” the company wrote in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 5