Founding Chicago Saxophonist Walter Parazaider Dies at 81 After Alzheimer’s Battle

Walter Parazaider, a founding member of the rock-jazz ensemble Chicago, died at 2:10 a.m. on June 17 2026 while receiving hospice care. His wife, JacLynn Parazaider, confirmed the death and identified complications from a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease as the cause.

Walter Parazaider Cause of Death: Chicago Founding Member Was 81

Parazaider, born March 14 1945 in Maywood, Illinois, co-founded the group in 1967 when it was called The Big Thing. The band later became Chicago Transit Authority and finally Chicago in 1969. He introduced the concept of a rock band with a horn section, rehearsed early shows in his mother’s basement, and booked initial club dates. As a multi-instrumentalist, he contributed the flute solo on “Colour My World” (1970) and the saxophone on “Just You ’n Me” (1973). His woodwind work appears on hits such as “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” and “If You Leave Me Now.”

Deadline Hollywood

• 1945 Mar 14 – Birth in Maywood, Illinois.

Deadline Hollywood

• 1967 – Formation of The Big Thing with Terry Kath, Danny Seraphine, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, Peter Cetera.

Forbes

• 1969 – Debut album released as Chicago Transit Authority.

Walter Parazaider Dies at 81, Chicago Founding Member Remembered

• 1970 – Band name shortened to Chicago; “Colour My World” released.

Walter Parazaider Dies at 81, Chicago Founding Member Remembered

• 1976 – “If You Leave Me Now” reaches No. 1 (U.S. & U.K.).

The Guardian

• 2016 – Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

People Magazine

• 2016-2018 – Retirement from touring (sources differ on exact year).

TMZ

• 2020 – Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease (six years before death).

Chicago Founding Member Walter Parazaider Dead at 81 Amid Alzheimer’s Battle

• 2021 – Public announcement of diagnosis.

Chicago Founding Member Walter Parazaider Dead at 81 Amid Alzheimer’s Battle

• 2026 Jun 17 – Death at age 81.

Forbes

• Three Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles: “If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “Look Away.”

The Guardian

• Five Billboard 200 albums topped the chart, including Chicago V (nine weeks at No. 1 in 1972).

Forbes

• Approximately 100 million records sold worldwide (per multiple sources).

The Guardian

• Six-year Alzheimer’s disease course, diagnosed at age 75.

Billboard

Parazaider’s integration of brass and woodwind textures helped define a subgenre of horn-driven rock, influencing subsequent acts and expanding mainstream acceptance of jazz elements in popular music. His death also underscores the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease among older adults, highlighting ongoing public-health concerns.

Chicago Founding Member Walter Parazaider Dead at 81 Amid Alzheimer’s Battle

JacLynn Parazaider told TMZ that her husband died peacefully in hospice after a prolonged fight with Alzheimer’s and noted their 59-year marriage. Chicago’s Instagram post credited Parazaider with conceiving the band’s horn concept and expressed gratitude for his contributions. Former drummer Tris Imboden described the loss as “a huge understatement” of Parazaider’s impact. Lee Loughnane recalled rehearsals in Parazaider’s mother’s basement as the band’s origin. Daughter Felicia Parazaider posted on Facebook that her father was her hero and that she was relieved his suffering had ended.

People MagazineChicago Founding Member Walter Parazaider Dead at 81 Amid Alzheimer’s BattleChicago Founding Member Walter Parazaider Dies at 81 After Battle With Alzheimer’sWalter Parazaider Cause of Death: Chicago Founding Member Was 81Walter Parazaider, Founding Member of Chicago, Dead at 81

Sources differ on Parazaider’s retirement year: some cite 2016, others 2017, and a few 2018. The public announcement of his Alzheimer’s diagnosis is dated 2021, while other reports state the disease was identified six years prior to his death, implying a 2020 diagnosis. No detailed medical information beyond the hospice setting is provided.

Deadline Hollywood

• “Thank you for loving my father, even if you didn’t personally know him.” — Felicia Parazaider, daughter

Chicago Founding Member Walter Parazaider Dead at 81 Amid Alzheimer’s Battle

• “He had put up a good fight with Alzheimer's and unfortunately it ended tonight. We are going to miss him for sure... We were married for 59 years and we had 59 wonderful years.” — JacLynn Parazaider, wife

Walter Parazaider Dies at 81, Chicago Founding Member Remembered

• “To say he will be sorely missed is a huge understatement,” — Tris Imboden, former Chicago drummer

People Magazine

• “A Rock & Roll band with horns was Walt's idea.” — Chicago (official Instagram statement)

People Magazine

Chicago announced that a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. The band and family have indicated plans to support Alzheimer’s awareness initiatives in his memory.

TMZ