Russell Neugent, 79, urban cowboy

RUSSELL WYNNE Neugent had an unusual distinction: He was a cowboy in the midst of a big Eastern city.

Russ, as he was known, was born and raised in West Philadelphia, but his heart must have been in the Old West. He loved horses and rode and took care of them from childhood on.

And he liked to share his passion with others, especially inner-city youngsters whom he introduced to the wonders of riding at the Bill Pickett riding academy in Fairmount Park.

Russell Neugent, the city's first African-American mounted police officer, an Army veteran of the Korean War, a member of the Merchant Marine and longtime employee of United Parcel Service, died July 10. He was 79 and lived in West Philadelphia.

He was born in Philadelphia to John P. and Theodocia Neugent. He graduated from Overbrook High School.

After the war, he worked as a helicopter technician for the Piasecki Industrial Corp. and later for Boeing. After leaving the Police Department, he started driving for UPS in 1968, retiring in 1994.

He owned a number of horses, including his favorite, "Babysitter," which he rode in parades up and down the East Coast.

In 1953, he married Ruby Neal. The marriage ended in divorce.

Russell was a longtime member of the Cowboys and Girls Association of Philadelphia and the United Horsemen's Association, and was a former member of the Philadelphia chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers 10th Cavalry.

With the latter group, he participated in reenactments honoring the all-black cavalry units formed in 1866, which fought Indians after the Civil War.

He and other "black cowboys" rode in parades and other events, and on several occasions accompanied the caskets of members to their final resting places.

Russell taught inner-city youngsters how to care for, groom and ride horses out of the Belmont Stables.

He also was in demand as a speaker at local schools on horsemanship and the joys of riding.

Russell was always well-dressed and favored Western costumes and snazzy cowboy boots. He requested that he be buried in his boots.

His great joy recently was to be the best man for his son, Eric, at his wedding on June 1. He danced his last dance with his new daughter-in-law, Marie.

Besides his son, he is survived by a daughter, Jill; a brother, Bryce Neugent; a sister, Carolyn Mitchell; and a grandson.

Services: Memorial service 11 a.m. tomorrow at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, 54th Street and Wynnefield Avenue. *