Chicago Founding Member & Saxophonist Walter Parazaider Has Died

: Walter Parazaider of Chicago performs at the 31st Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 8, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

By Nikki

Walter Parazaider, a founding member and the saxophonist of the legendary rock band Chicago, died on June 17, 2026, at the age of 81. He passed away in hospice care following a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. [1, 2]

Walter Parazaider (1945–2026)

  • Role: Saxophonist, flautist, and backing vocalist.
  • Key Legacy: Parazaider is credited with the original idea to form a rock band with a horn section. He put the band together, organized their early rehearsals in his mother’s basement, and booked their first bar gigs in the Chicago area.
  • Passing: Confirmed by his wife, JacLynn, and announced by his daughter Felicia.