Chicago Co-Founder Walter Parazaider Has Died

Walter Parazaider, a co founder of the legendary jazz rock group Chicago, has died at the age of 81.

The musician passed away on Wednesday morning while receiving hospice care, nearly six years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Confirming the news to TMZ, his wife JacLynn reflected on his long battle with the illness. "He had put up a good fight with Alzheimer's and unfortunately it ended tonight," she said. "We are going to miss him for sure... We were married for 59 years and we had 59 wonderful years."

Their daughter Felicia also paid tribute on Facebook, writing, "I love you poppy, my Pal... You coloured our world."

Parazaider helped establish Chicago in 1967 alongside Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow and Danny Seraphine. Before becoming known as Chicago, the band first performed as The Big Thing and later adopted the name Chicago Transit Authority before shortening it in 1969.

As a key member of the group's brass and woodwind section with Pankow and Loughnane, Parazaider became known for his versatility, performing on saxophone, flute, clarinet and several other instruments.

His musicianship was featured prominently throughout Chicago's catalogue. He delivered the flute solo on the 1970 classic "Colour My World" and the saxophone solo on 1973's "Just You 'n' Me." He also played on some of the band's best known songs, including "25 or 6 to 4," "Saturday in the Park" and "If You Leave Me Now."

In April 2021, years after stepping away from touring duties with the band, Parazaider publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease through a statement shared on Chicago's website.

"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 (sic)," he wrote. "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."

Parazaider is survived by his wife JacLynn, whom he married in 1966, and their daughters, Laura and Felicia.