Walter Parazaider, Chicago Co-founder, Passes at 81

Walter Parazaider, a pivotal member of the iconic rock band Chicago, passed away on Wednesday at 2:10 a.m. He was 81 years old. His wife, JacLynn, shared the news with TMZ, mentioning that she was by his side in hospice care during his final moments.

Parazaider had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021. His wife noted, “He had put up a good fight with Alzheimer’s, and unfortunately, it ended tonight.” She expressed her deep sense of loss, saying, “We are going to miss him for sure. We were married for 59 years, and we had 59 wonderful years together.”

In 1967, Parazaider helped co-found the band initially named The Big Thing. This group later became the Chicago Transit Authority, and then simply Chicago in 1969, according to reports.

Throughout his career, he showcased his musical talent in the band’s brass and woodwind section alongside Lee Loughnane and James Pankow. Remarkably, Parazaider continued to perform with Chicago until his retirement in 2016. They produced numerous hits, including “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” and “If You Leave Me Now.”

His legacy is cemented by the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, a recognition of his significant contributions over nearly five decades. Parazaider was well-known for his flute solo in “Color My World” and also delivered impressive saxophone performances in songs like “Just You ‘n’ Me.”

He is survived by his wife, JacLynn, and their two daughters, Laura and Felicia. Arrangements for a memorial service are reportedly in the works.