Refregier was born in Moscow and emigrated to the United States in 1920. After working various odd jobs in New York City, he earned a scholarship to the Rhode Island School of Design in 1921. After finishing school, Refregier moved back to New York in 1925.
Refregier was born in Moscow and left Russia to move to the United States in 1920. After holding various temporary jobs in New York City, he received a scholarship to the Rhode Island School of Design in 1921. Following graduation, Refregier returned to New York in 1925.