Walter Parazaider, the co-founder and longtime saxophonist of legendary rock band Chicago, has died at the age of 81.
The musician passed away on Wednesday 17 June 2026 in hospice care, nearly six years after revealing he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His death was confirmed by family members, who paid tribute to the instrumentalist’s life, career and lasting impact on one of America’s most successful bands.
Family pays tribute to Walter Parazaider
Parazaider’s wife, JacLynn, confirmed the news, reflecting on their nearly six decades together.
“He had put up a good fight with Alzheimer’s and unfortunately it ended tonight.”
She added:
“We are going to miss him for sure… We were married for 59 years and we had 59 wonderful years.”
Their daughter Felicia also shared a heartfelt message on social media.
“I love you poppy, my Pal… You coloured our world.”
Parazaider is survived by JacLynn, whom he married in 1966, and their daughters Laura and Felicia.
Founding member of Chicago
Born in 1945, Walter Parazaider helped form Chicago in 1967 alongside fellow musicians Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow and Danny Seraphine.
The group initially performed under the name The Big Thing before becoming Chicago Transit Authority. The band later shortened its name to Chicago in 1969 and went on to become one of the most commercially successful groups in rock history.
Chicago’s distinctive fusion of rock, jazz and brass-driven arrangements helped define the band’s sound across multiple decades, generating dozens of hit singles and more than 100 million records sold worldwide.
The sound behind Chicago’s biggest hits
Parazaider played a central role in shaping Chicago’s musical identity as part of the band’s celebrated brass and woodwind section alongside James Pankow and Lee Loughnane.
A multi-instrumentalist, he performed saxophone, flute and clarinet across the band’s catalogue.
His best-known performances include the flute solo on Colour My World and the saxophone solo on Just You ‘n’ Me. He also contributed to many of Chicago’s signature recordings, including 25 or 6 to 4, Saturday in the Park and If You Leave Me Now.
His musicianship helped distinguish Chicago from its contemporaries, blending rock songwriting with sophisticated jazz influences that became a hallmark of the band’s success.
Walter Parazaider’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis
In April 2021, several years after retiring from touring, Parazaider publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Writing on Chicago’s official website, he described the impact the diagnosis had on his family.
“Five months ago, I was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Needless to say, my wife, daughters and myself were shocked and devastated. It has taken awhile to process this news and the fact is, we still are.”
Despite the diagnosis, he remained determined to stay positive.
“I am working hard and not going to give up. With new treatments and therapy, along with my family’s love and support, I feel very positive about the future.”
A lasting legacy in rock music
Walter Parazaider’s contribution to Chicago extended far beyond individual performances. As a founding member, arranger and instrumentalist, he helped create a sound that bridged rock, jazz and pop, influencing generations of musicians.
His work remains embedded in some of classic rock’s most enduring recordings, ensuring his legacy will continue through the music he helped create.
