Chicago Saxophonist Walter Parazaider Dead at 81
Walter Parazaider, a multi-instrumentalist and founding member of the rock band Chicago, died on June 17, 2026. He helped establish the concept of a rock band featuring horns. Parazaider was a DePaul University graduate and Maywood native.
What changed
Added his date of death, educational background, and specific instruments played.
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Chicago Founding Member Walter Parazaider Dies at 81
confidence 100%Walter Parazaider, a multi-instrumentalist and founding member of the rock band Chicago, died on June 17, 2026. He helped establish the concept of a rock band featuring horns. Parazaider was a DePaul University graduate and Maywood native.
What's confirmed:
- Walter Parazaider died on June 17, 2026, at age 81.
- Parazaider was a founding member of the rock band Chicago.
- He graduated from DePaul University.
- Parazaider was born in Maywood, Illinois.
- He played saxophone and flute for the group.
Still unconfirmed:
- Parazaider played clarinet and occasionally played guitar.
- He began playing the clarinet at age 9.
- He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in classical clarinet performance.
- He was one-third of the band's brass and woodwind section with Lee Loughnane and James Pankow.
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Chicago Co-Founder Walter Parazaider Dies at 81
confidence 100%Walter Parazaider, a founding member of the rock band Chicago, has died at age 81. He played saxophone and flute for the group starting in 1967. Parazaider passed away after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.
What's confirmed:
- Walter Parazaider died at age 81.
- Parazaider was a founding member and co-founder of Chicago.
- He played saxophone and flute for the band.
- Parazaider died after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.
- His death was confirmed by his wife and daughter.
- Chicago stated that a rock and roll band with horns was Parazaider's idea.
Still unconfirmed:
- Parazaider fought Alzheimer's disease for six years.
- Parazaider was sidelined by Alzheimer's in 2018.
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Chicago Co-Founder Walter Parazaider Dies at 81
confidence 95%Walter Parazaider, a founding member and saxophonist for the rock band Chicago, has died at age 81. He passed away on June 17, 2026, following a struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Parazaider helped form the group in his basement in 1967.
What's confirmed:
- Walter Parazaider, a founding member of the rock band Chicago, died at age 81.
- Parazaider was a saxophonist for the band.
- He died on June 17, 2026.
- Parazaider died from Alzheimer's disease.
Still unconfirmed:
- Parazaider died at 2:10 a.m.
- He passed away in hospice care in Illinois.
- He battled Alzheimer's disease for six years.
- He stepped aside from the band in 2018 to fight Alzheimer's.