Louis Barlia

Motion picture cameraman Lou Barlia, who was behind the camera on many well known films from the 1970’s through the late 1990’s died at the age of 92 on June 25th, 2022 after a brief battle with mesothelioma cancer. His two sons were with him at his home in Las Vegas when he passed.

Born and raised in New York, Barlia’s career in photography began in his early teens when his father brought home a camera that he had found on the train tracks in the city. Thus began Lou’s lifelong passion for photography and cameras that never ended.

Starting with work at a photo studio during and after his high school years (the School of Industrial Arts in New York) Barlia was later drafted into the army and served as a combat cameraman during the Korean War (for which he received the Bronze Star, and other citations, for his service).

Barlia’s work in film continued in the 1950’s and 1960’s with commercials, documentaries, and TV shows, eventually leading into feature films starting in the 1970’s. From that point until his retirement in 2000 Barlia was behind the camera on many popular movies (Love Story, Superman, Slap Shot, Jaws, The Big Chill, The Accidental Tourist, Silverado, to name a few) https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0055181/

In recognition of his work, Barlia received a lifetime achievement award from the Society of Operating Cameramen (SOC) in 2000.

Up until very recently Lou had been an active, independent, youthful and sharp minded retiree who never lost his interest in photography, cameras, cars, flying (licensed and instrument rated), fitness, and all kinds of technical gadgetry. Above all was his love for his family.

Lou Barlia is survived by his sons Kevin and David, their wives Daniela and Karleen, and his three grandchildren; Michele, Nicole, and Bodie.

Lou was preceded in death by his ex wife Betty, with whom he reconciled before her passing, as well as his beloved sisters Lilly Mogel, Anne Meranchick, and Lorraine Grunor.

He will be greatly missed by all!

Services to be held at the VA cemetery in Westwood, CA on August 4th at 11:30 am.