Walter Parazaider Founder of Chicago Dies After Fighting Alzheimer's

Chicago founder Walter Parazaider (Instagram @rockhall)

JAKARTA - Walter Parazaider, a saxophonist and one of the founders of Chicago, is reported to have died at the age of 81. The musician's departure came after he had been battling Alzheimer's disease for the past six years.

The sad news about Parazaider's death was confirmed directly by his wife, JacLynn.

To TMZ, JacLynn revealed that her husband breathed his last on Wednesday, June 17 at 02.10 local time.

The musician's departure also left a deep sadness for his daughter, Felicia Helen Parazaider. Through a post on Facebook, he revealed a sense of loss and relief because his father no longer felt pain.

"My father, my hero, is gone. There is no more pain. No more struggle. This is the worst six years. The most difficult season of my life. And I am so grateful that my father is no longer suffering. I love you poppy, my best friend," wrote Felicia in the post.

For information, Walter Parazaider was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about six years ago. This disease is also the basis for Parazaider's decision to retire from the global music scene in 2018.

Walter Parazaider's name has been etched in the history of world music. He co-founded Chicago in 1967 with his colleagues - Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, and Danny Seraphine.

Before using the name Chicago, the band from Illinois had changed its name from The Big Thing to Chicago Transit Authority, until finally it was shortened to Chicago.

Together with Chicago, Parazaider, who is known for mastering various musical instruments, managed to score a series of hit songs that topped the charts, such as "If You Leave Me Now" (1976), "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" (1982), and "Look Away" (1988).

In addition, they also successfully placed five albums at the top of the Billboard 200, including the album "Chicago V" which lasted nine weeks at the top in 1972.

For his great contribution to the music industry, Walter Parazaider and the Chicago members were also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.