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Walter Parazaider, Co-Founder and Saxophonist of Chicago, Dies at 81
Walter Parazaider died Wednesday morning after a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The band he helped form in 1967 confirmed the news and issued condolences to his family and fans.
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Walter Parazaider, co-founder, saxophonist and flautist of the rock band Chicago, died on the morning of Wednesday, June 17, 2026. He was 81 and had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease six years earlier. ” Parazaider first helped form the group in 1967 under the name The Big Thing.
He played on two dozen Chicago albums from 1967 through 2014 and performed live with the band until retiring from touring in 2017 due to health concerns. His wife, JacLynn Parazaider, said he passed away in hospice care. “He had put up a good fight with Alzheimer’s and unfortunately it ended tonight,” she stated.
Daughter Felicia Parazaider posted an emotional tribute on Facebook the same day. ” She added: “This was the worst six years. ” Parazaider is survived by his wife and two daughters. The band noted: “We are forever grateful for his contributions.
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