Members of Chicago Honor Late Founding Member Walter Parazaider

Walter Parazaider, a founding member of Chicago, passed away this week after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

He was 81.

Now, the surviving members of Chicago are paying tribute to Parazaide. He helped shape that band.

“Chicago is heartbroken to share the sad news of Walter Parazaider’s passing this morning,” the band stated on Instagram. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and countless Chicago fans who are all grieving his loss today.”

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The post added: "A Rock & Roll band with horns was Walt’s idea. He put the band together and they rehearsed in the basement of his mother’s home. He is also the one who did the hard work to book shows for the young, unknown band, performing top 40 covers at local bars in and around Chicago."

The band members add that they’re “forever grateful for his contributions. Perhaps his greatest gift was bringing people together. This amazing music may have never been heard had it not been for Walt’s vision."

It’s true that without Parazaide, Chicago would never have developed its sound. He was an original member of the band, alongside Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow and Danny Seraphine.

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Parazaider was a multi-instrumentalist in the band, playing saxophone, flute and clarinet. He contributed to not only Chicago but the rock genre of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Parazaider during this difficult time.

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 5:34 PM.