Lefteri was born in Megara, Greece, during the Fall of 1944. The name “Lefteri” means “freedom” in the Greek language. Towards the end of World War II, many Greek children were named Lefteri to honor and commemorate the liberation of Greece. Lefteri left Megara when he was 16 years old to pursue a career as a ship’s mechanic. During his tenure, he had the opportunity to travel the world and visit many countries. In 1962, he finally settled in Brooklyn, New York where he continued his career as a machinist and iron worker.

His first wire & metal sculpture, entitled “International Space Center Year 2142”, was created in 1993 where it won First Place in The New York Times Employee Project Show. Upon his retirement, Lefteri pursued his passion for sculpting.