The Greek community of Melbourne has lost one of its great members as Lefteris Petsevas, known lovingly as “Lefterakis”, has passed away after a full life where he provided people with decades’ worth of entertainment and joy.
The news of his death caused immense sadness to the many people who knew and loved him.
His funeral will be held on Friday 11 July, 10.30 am, at Sts Anargiri Church in Oakleigh.
Lefterakis was not just a singer. He was a symbol of an entire era of Greek entertainment in Australia.
From the 1970s through the 2000s, his voice echoed in numerous well-known venues of the community like Copacabana, Ifigenia, Athinea, Deilina, Thessalonikia, and Neraitha.
He transcended into something more than a singer, becoming the voice of a generation and bringing joy, music, and lasting memories to the hearts of the Greek diaspora.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, his daughter Amalia said:
“We are very proud of our father. The whole world knew and loved him as ‘Lefterakis’. But we also loved him as a father and grandfather. He was devoted to his family.”
His granddaughter, Elle Karapanou, posted a moving farewell to her grandfather on social media:
“He gave us nights we’ll never forget. Now, fly high and rest in peace Lefteraki. With heavy hearts, we share the passing of my beloved grandfather, Lefteris Petsavas – known lovingly to many in Melbourne’s Greek community as Lefterakis.
Now the curtain has fallen, and Lefteraki takes his final bow.”
Neos Kosmos had recorded his journey from early on. In an earlier article from the 1970s, we wrote:
“In recent months, a new voice has been heard in Melbourne. A voice that has been heard and applauded in well-known centres in Athinea and Thessalonikia. It is Lefterakis Petsavas.”
He himself had revealed at the time that he first sang at the age of just 10, in 1958, on a show by Giorgos Oikonomidis, performing a song by Angelopoulos. Had he remained in Greece, many believe he would have had a great career.
His younger colleague, Kostas Trikolas, stated:
“Lefterakis was a pioneer and trailblazer in the entertainment of the Greek community. He laid the foundations for us younger people. He always advised me about the night and what to avoid. We will always remember him.”
The curtain has fallen, but Lefterakis’ voice and presence will remain indelible in the hearts of those who celebrated, sang and cried with him.
