Barbara J. "Presciano" Swortwood

Barbara Swortwood ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Guerriero Funeral Home on Mar. 10, 2026.Madison, Ohio – Barbara J. Presciano Swortwood, born October 17, 1941 inAshtabula, Ohio, daughter of Carmel and Peter Presciano passed away atChardon Woods on March 4, 2026 of complications from a long illness.Barbara graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1959, and was a lifelongresident, except for the last 4 years when she lived next to her son's vacationhome in Madison, Ohio.Barbara loved living on Lake Erie and spending time with her family and manyof her new friends she met in Madison. She stayed close to many of her highschool classmates and previous work associates. She loved dogs and therewere many throughout the family. She liked to travel and enjoyed visiting herbrother, Anthony and Sister-in-law, Debbie, when they lived in New Mexicoand now in Clermont, Florida. She had a special bond with them, especiallyher brother, and they talked every day. She stayed close to her nieces andnephews, including Kelly (Dan) Reinke and their children, Dwayne Prescianoand his daughter, and Anthony (Michele) Presciano and their children.Barbara was also close to her Uncle Nick (deceased) and his wife, HelenFerraro. She spent many holidays and outings with them and the Ferrarocousins throughout her life, and they were always willing to lend a helpinghand.Barbara had a long career working in various positions with the City ofAshtabula Division of Housing and Community Development. For over35 yrs she served as staff member and Assistant Director until her retirementin 2006. Barbara was instrumental in all department functions including FairHousing and Fiscal Management. She worked on the Urban Renewal,Harbor Restoration and CHIP Housing Rehabilitation programs. She wasinstrumental in achieving two Governor's Awards for Outstanding CommunityDevelopment Implementation and was a strong advocate for organized laborserving as President of AFSCME Local 1197 for a number of years.Barbara is survived by her son Mark (Mary) Swortwood of Cincinnati, brotherAnthony (Debra) Presciano of Clermont, Fl., Grandchildren MadeleineSwortwood, Meredith (Kevin) Gosche, Paige (Joe) Arledge and GreatGrandchildren, Bennett Arledge and Carmela Gosche, all from Columbus,Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carmel and PeterPresciano.The family will have a mass and celebration of life in the Spring. She will beburied with her parents at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Barbara'swishes 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 wouldlike to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff for theexcellent care Barbara received at Chardon Woods and Western ReserveHospice of Cleveland. Condolences can be made atguerrierofuneralhome.comTo send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara J. (Presciano) Swortwood, please visit our floral store.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.