Chicago Music Legend Walter Parazaider Passes Away at 81
WHO:
Ultimate Classic Rock - Walter Parazaider's daughter, Felicia Parazaider, confirmed his death.
Ultimate Classic Rock - Former Chicago guitarist Dawayne Bailey also confirmed Parazaider's death.
Variety - Walter Parazaider, co-founding member of the band Chicago.
Rolling Stone Music - Walter Parazaider, saxophonist and flutist.
WHAT:
Ultimate Classic Rock - Felicia Parazaider expressed her shock and disbelief in a social media post, stating, "Thank you for loving my father, even if you didn’t personally know him. I'm in shock and disbelief and yet not at all. This was the worst six years."
Ultimate Classic Rock - Parazaider first revealed his Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2021, stating, "Five months ago, I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Needless to say, my wife, daughters and myself were shocked and devastated."
Variety - Walter Parazaider passed away at the age of 81.
Variety - He was a member of Chicago from its formation in 1967 until his retirement in 2017.
Rolling Stone Music - Parazaider was forced to step aside in 2018 due to battling Alzheimer’s disease.
WHERE:
Variety - The band Chicago was formed in Parazaider’s basement.
WHEN:
Variety - Parazaider was with the band from its start in 1967 through his retirement in 2017.
Rolling Stone Music - He stepped aside in 2018.
WHY:
Variety - Walter Parazaider had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for six years prior to his death.
HOW:
Ultimate Classic Rock - Parazaider had already stopped touring with Chicago in 2017 due to a heart issue before entering hospice care.
Variety - Parazaider played reed instruments in the band throughout his 50-year career.
(UPDATED June 18, 2026 04:20 UTC)
Walter Parazaider, a founding member of the band Chicago, has passed away, as confirmed by his daughter Felicia and fellow musician Dawayne Bailey. In a heartfelt social media post, Felicia expressed her shock and disbelief, reflecting on the difficult years following her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2021. Parazaider had stepped back from touring in 2017 due to a heart issue and had recently entered hospice care.
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(UPDATED June 17, 2026 19:44 UTC)
Walter Parazaider, a co-founding member of the iconic band Chicago, has passed away at the age of 81 after battling Alzheimer’s disease for six years. He was an integral part of the band from its formation in 1967 until his retirement in 2017, contributing his talents on reed instruments throughout his remarkable 50-year career. Chicago was born in Parazaider’s basement, where the journey of this legendary group began.