Chicago saxophonist Walter Parazaider remembered after death at 81
The legendary saxophonist and flutist died peacefully at 81, surrounded by his wife and family
Walter Parazaider, a founding member of the legendary rock band Chicago, has died at the age of 81 following a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Parazaider passed away at 2:10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, while in hospice care and surrounded by his wife, JacLynn, who confirmed his death in a statement. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2021.
“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.”
Parazaider is also survived by his daughters, Laura and Felicia, who shared emotional tributes following his passing.
Felicia described her father as her “hero” in a heartfelt message, saying she was devastated she could not reach him in time. She also reflected on his final moments and the peace he experienced after years of illness.
“I’m in shock and disbelief, and yet not at all,” she wrote. “This was the worst six years… I’m so grateful that my dad is not suffering anymore.”
Tributes also poured in from fellow musicians, including former Chicago drummer Tris Imboden, who called Parazaider a “dear friend and brother” and credited him as a key creative force behind the band’s formation.
Parazaider was among the original members of Chicago, alongside Terry Kath, Danny Seraphine, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, and James Pankow.
The group initially formed in 1967 under the name The Big Thing before becoming Chicago Transit Authority and later shortening to Chicago.
A classically trained musician, Parazaider played saxophone and flute, and contributed backing vocals.
He performed on many of the band’s most iconic songs, including “If You Leave Me Now,” “25 or 6 to 4,” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.”
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, recognizing its decades of influence on rock music.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Chicago paid tribute to its co-founder, saying the band was “heartbroken” by his passing and highlighting his vision of bringing horns into a rock band format, an idea that helped define their signature sound.
They added that Parazaider played a crucial role in the band’s early days, from rehearsals in his mother’s basement to booking shows at local venues that helped launch their career.
“Perhaps his greatest gift was bringing people together,” the band said. “This amazing music may have never been heard had it not been for Walt’s vision.”
