Walter Parazaider, Founding Member Of Chicago, Dies At 81

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: Walter Parazaider of Chicago performs at the 31st Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 8, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

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Walter Parazaider, a saxophonist and founding member of the legendary rock band Chicago, has died.

Parazaider, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago, died from the disease early Wednesday, his wife JacLyn told TMZ. He was 81.

"He had put up a good fight with Alzheimer's and unfortunately it ended tonight. We are going to miss him for sure ... We were married for 59 years and we had 59 wonderful years."

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Parazaider was among the band members who formed Chicago — first known as the Chicago Transit Authority — along with keyboardist/vocalist Robert Lamm, trombonist James Pankow, bassist/vocalist Peter Cetera, drummer Danny Seraphine, trumpet player Lee Loughnane and guitarist/vocalist Terry Kath in 1967. Kath died tragically in 1978 at age 31.

Parazaider also played flute, which was featured on the band’s classic hit "Color my World."

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