Walter Parazaider, founding member of Chicago, dies aged 81 following Alzheimer’s battle

His daughter confirmed the news in a Facebook post that Walter had passed away.

“My father, my hero, is gone. He went peacefully about 20 minutes ago,” she wrote. “There’s no more pain. No more struggle … This was the worst six years. The hardest season of my life. And I’m so grateful that my dad is not suffering anymore. I love you poppy, my Pal.”

Walter Parazaider was one of the driving forces behind Chicago, the band behind timeless hits like If You Leave Me Now, You’re the Inspiration, Hard to Say I’m Sorry, and Just You ’n’ Me.

Born on March 14, 1945, in Maywood, Illinois, Walter, inspired by The Beatles, dreamt of creating his own rock band but doing so differently: with horns. In 1967, that dream became reality when he helped form Chicago alongside Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, and Danny Seraphine.

Walter Parazaider, founding member of Chicago, dies aged 81

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