Richard Leffers was born in Lakeland, Florida on March 16, 1950. After graduation from Yorktown High School he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University, and a Masters of Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. He taught elementary school for several years, and then found work as a systems analyst for The Computer Company and Blue Cross. He died of cancer on May 23, l984, at his home in Brooklyn, New York.

At Yorktown Richard was an active member of the American Youth Hostel Club. In college he developed a strong interest in photography, and while teaching elementary school he sponsored an afterschool photo club for his students. He devoted a great deal of time to the historical restoration of his homes in Richmond, Virginia, and then later in Brooklyn, New York.

Richard was survived by his wife, Beverly (Miner) Leffers (Yorktown '67)