Chicago Band Co-Founder Walter Parazaider Passes Away at 81: A Legacy Remembered

Walter Parazaider, a founding member of the band Chicago, has passed away at 81.

His wife, JacLynn Parazaider, confirmed the news to TMZ on Wednesday.

According to her, the musician died at around 2 AM on Wednesday morning while in hospice care, following a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

“He fought a tough battle with Alzheimer’s, but sadly it came to an end tonight,” JacLynn expressed.

“We’ll certainly miss him… We were married for 59 years and shared 59 wonderful years together,” she added.

Chicago founding member Walter Parazaider has died at the age of 81. Seen in 2016

Parazaider, Robert Lamm, James Pankow, Danny Seraphine, (bottom row) Peter Cetera, Terry Kath (1946 – 1978) and Lee Loughnane in 1970

Parazaider revealed he had Alzheimer’s in a statement on the group’s website in 2021.

‘Five months ago, I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease,’ he wrote. 

‘Needless to say, my wife, daughters and myself were shocked and devastated. 

‘It has taken a while to process this news and the fact is, we still are. The good news is we have a wonderful medical facility here and I have a very good doctor. 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. 

‘Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I wish you and your families all the best in 2021 and always.’

Walter founded the hit band in 1967 under the original name The Big Thing with bandmates Lee Loughnane and James Pankow. 

Chicago started out with Parazaider on woodwind, Loughnane on trumpet, Pankow on trombone, Robert Lamm on keyboards and Peter Cetera on bass. 

Walter founded the hit band in 1967 under the original name The Big Thing with bandmates Lee Loughnane and James Pankow. Seen in 1971

The versatile musician also contributed to the songs 25 or 6 to 4, Saturday In The Park and If You Leave Me Now. Seen in 1974 with Anne Murray

Parazaider’s primary musical role in the band has consisted of playing woodwinds on Pankow’s horn arrangements.

He could also play the saxophone, flute and clarinet, and, occasionally, the guitar. 

Parazaider might be best known for his popular flute solo in the Chicago hit song Colour My World.

Then there is his solo soprano saxophone work on the 1973 hit song Just You ‘n’ Me.

The versatile musician also contributed to the songs 25 or 6 to 4, Saturday In The Park and If You Leave Me Now. 

He retired 10 years ago in 2017 after developing a heart condition. 

‘I think for some guys in the group, it was harder to cope with the success than others,’ Parazaider said over a decade ago.

‘I don’t think there were any of us that sat down around my kitchen table that day in February of ’67 and said, “Hey, our goal is to be famous.”‘ 

(L-R) James Pankow, Parazaider, Lee Loughnane and Robert Lamm in 2016

Parazaider seen during their 2010 tour at the Durham Performing Arts Center 

The band formed in February 1967. 

He is survived by JacLynn as well as their daughters, Laura and Felicia.

His daughter Felicia shared a tribute on Facebook on Wednesday. ‘I didn’t get back in time. My father, my hero, is gone. He went peacefully about 20 minutes ago,’ she wrote.

‘There’s no more pain. No more struggle. I psychically knew I wasn’t going to make it back in time. And I knew that it would be just my mom and him. It’s how it was in the beginning. Just the two of them. And so it should’ve been in the end. 

‘Thank you for loving my father, even if you didn’t personally know him. I know that many of you loved him. I’m in shock and disbelief and yet not at all. This was the worst six years. The hardest season of my life. 

‘And I’m so grateful that my dad is not suffering anymore. I love you poppy, my Pal. You coloured our world. God bless you, you dear soul. I love you beyond thoughts and words.’