Saxophonist dies of Alzheimer’s disease

Walter Parazaider, a founding member of the iconic rock band Chicago, has died after a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 81 years old.

The musician’s wife, Jaclyn, told TMZ that Parazaider passed away at 2:10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17th. She was by his side when he died.

His daughter, Felicia Helen Parazaider, also confirmed his death in a Facebook post. “My father, my hero, is gone,” she wrote in part. “No more pain, no more struggle.…This has been the worst six years.
The toughest season of my life. And I am so grateful that my father is no longer suffering. Poppy, I love you my friend. ”

Billboard has reached out to Parazyder’s representatives for comment.

The musician passed away about six years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He was one of an estimated 6.9 million people in the United States living with the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease is the most common cause of dementia and involves a buildup of proteins that cause brain cells to die over time.

Known for his skill as a saxophonist and ability to play multiple instruments, Parazaider helped found Chicago in 1967 with friends Peter Cetera, Terry Cass, Robert Lamb, Lee Locknane, James Pankow, and Danny Serafin, after whom the band was named. However, the group originally called itself The Big Thing, then Chicago Transit Authority, shortening the latter to one word. Although the lineup changed over the years, Parazyder remained a constant member of the band until his retirement in 2018.

He and his bandmates produced numerous hits in Chicago, including 1976’s “If You Leave Me Now,” 1982’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” and 1988’s “Look Away.” The band also had five albums top the Billboard 200, with Chicago V spending nine weeks at the top of the chart in 1972.

Chicago was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.