Walter Parazaider, Saxophonist And Chicago Co-founder, Dead At 81

Walter Parazaider, nan saxophonist and co-founder of nan stone group Chicago, has died. He was 81.

Parazaider died June 17 of complications from Alzheimers disease. In a connection posted to societal media connected Wednesday, the set said that “Chicago is heartbroken astatine nan sad news of Walter Parazaider’s passing this morning. We widen our deepest condolences to his family, friends and countless Chicago fans who are each grieving his nonaccomplishment today.”

His daughter, Felicia Helen Parazaider, besides posted connected Facebook that “I emotion you poppy, my Pal...You coloured our world.”

Born successful Maywood, Ill., Parazaider began his euphony profession arsenic a clarinetist, earlier founding Chicago pinch puerility friends successful nan group’s namesake city. The band’s popular hits for illustration “25 aliases 6 to 4” and “Saturday successful nan Park” were staples of nan ‘70s and stay beloved fixtures of classical rock. His divers woodwind skills helped springiness nan set its regal sound, adding saxophone riffs to hits for illustration “Just You ‘n’ Me” and a poignant flute solo connected “Colour My World.”

While Chicago’s lineup changed often, Parazaider remained pinch nan group until retiring successful 2018. In April of 2021, Parazaider wrote successful a connection connected Chicago’s website that “I was diagnosed pinch Alzheimers disease. Needless to say, my wife, daughters and myself were shocked and devastated. It has taken awhile to process this news and nan truth is, we still are. The bully news is we person a awesome aesculapian installation present and I person a very bully doctor. I americium moving difficult and not going to springiness up.”

Chicago gave in installments to Parazaider for conceiving of nan band’s chopped instrumentation, and nan activity ethic that made them stars. “A Rock & Roll set pinch horns was Walt’s idea,” Chicago’s connection continued. “He put nan set together and they rehearsed successful nan basement of his mother’s home. He is besides nan 1 who did nan difficult activity to book shows for nan young, chartless band, performing apical 40 covers astatine section bars successful and astir Chicago.

“We are everlastingly grateful for his contribution,” they continued. “Perhaps his top gift was bringing group together. This astonishing euphony whitethorn person ne'er been heard had it not been for Walt’s vision.”

Parazaider is survived by woman JacLynn and daughters Laura and Felicia.