Barbara J. (Presciano) Swortwood

Madison, Ohio – Barbara J. Presciano Swortwood, born October 17, 1941 in

Ashtabula, Ohio, daughter of Carmel and Peter Presciano passed away at

Chardon Woods on March 4, 2026 of complications from a long illness.

Barbara graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1959, and was a lifelong

resident, except for the last 4 years when she lived next to her son’s vacation

home in Madison, Ohio.

Barbara loved living on Lake Erie and spending time with her family and many

of her new friends she met in Madison. She stayed close to many of her high

school classmates and previous work associates. She loved dogs and there

were many throughout the family. She liked to travel and enjoyed visiting her

brother, Anthony and Sister-in-law, Debbie, when they lived in New Mexico

and now in Clermont, Florida. She had a special bond with them, especially

her brother, and they talked every day. She stayed close to her nieces and

nephews, including Kelly (Dan) Reinke and their children, Dwayne Presciano

and his daughter, and Anthony (Michele) Presciano and their children.

Barbara was also close to her Uncle Nick (deceased) and his wife, Helen

Ferraro. She spent many holidays and outings with them and the Ferraro

cousins throughout her life, and they were always willing to lend a helping

hand.

Barbara had a long career working in various positions with the City of

Ashtabula Division of Housing and Community Development.  For over

35 yrs she served as staff member and Assistant Director until her retirement

in 2006. Barbara was instrumental in all department functions including Fair

Housing and Fiscal Management. She worked on the Urban Renewal,

Harbor Restoration and CHIP Housing Rehabilitation programs. She was

instrumental in achieving two Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Community

Development Implementation and was a strong advocate for organized labor

serving as President of AFSCME Local 1197 for a number of years. 

Barbara is survived by her son Mark (Mary) Swortwood of Cincinnati, brother

Anthony (Debra) Presciano of Clermont, Fl., Grandchildren Madeleine

Swortwood, Meredith (Kevin) Gosche, Paige (Joe) Arledge and Great

Grandchildren, Bennett Arledge and Carmela Gosche, all from Columbus,

Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carmel and Peter

Presciano.

The family will have a mass and celebration of life in the Spring. She will be

buried with her parents at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Barbara’s

wishes were for donations to be made to St. John School 7911 Depot Road,

Ashtabula, Ohio in the name of her son (Class of 1978). The Family would

like to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff for the

excellent care Barbara received at Chardon Woods and Western Reserve

Hospice of Cleveland. Condolences can be made at

guerrierofuneralhome.com

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