He’d never be caught believing anything like this, let alone actually saying it out loud, but Donato Ventura was the standard by which all high school sports reporters had to be measured.

The high school sports reporter/editor at the Boston Herald for more than 30 years, “Danny V” was the gold standard — a tireless worker who somehow almost always got the drop on the competition, and in simple, readable English and with accuracy.

And if that wasn’t enough, he was truly a likable guy who brightened press boxes and dinner tables everywhere he went.

Ventura died Tuesday at the age of 66, seven months after he was diagnosed with cancer. In character with his aversion to self-aggrandizement, Ventura, who retired just a year ago, kept the disease quiet. He just never liked to draw attention to himself. During big days such as high school Super Bowls or other state championships, Ventura would sit down and just start working. Soon enough, the press box denizens would matriculate over to his seat, give their regards, and treat him as if they’d just had an audience with the pope.

Everyone wanted to know what he thought. Could anyone beat Everett? Or Charlestown? What did he think of this rule change?

Ask him to explain a new Byzantine ratings system, after having had it just presented to him, and he could go into intricate detail.

“He combined a tireless work ethic and a wealth of institutional knowledge with a deep passion for his job and an endearing personality,” said former Item sports and news editor Paul Halloran, a close friend. “He was a genuinely good guy who cared more than most.

“I enjoyed our many conversations and interactions over the years,” Halloran said. “I will miss him greatly.”

Phil Stacey, executive sports editor of the Salem News, remembers Ventura as extremely knowledgeable about his job, and helpful to colleagues as well.

“Everybody knew who he was, and he seemed to know everyone and everything — stats, standings, records, team histories, and such.

“We have our little slice of high school athletics here on the North Shore covered pretty well, but he blanketed all of Eastern Mass. and beyond with a knowledge that was unparalleled.

“What impressed me most about Danny was that he loved (covering high school sports) as much in his last week as he did during his first week on the job. He never looked at covering high school sports as ‘lesser’ than covering professional or college sports.”

Ventura was not above having his fun with friends and colleagues — even if he’d never met you. He would routinely bust on the late Bruce Lerch, a former Herald correspondent; and he even enjoyed sticking a few jabs in my side.

The first time he did it, he hadn’t even met me yet. But he knew I was a St. John’s Prep guy, and just had to offer his opinion that Xaverian had the better football program. He had me going all right!

On the other hand, when it was time to break a major story, Ventura knew who to call, where to find him or her and what to ask. In a business where it was 50-50 whether you’d be ignored when going after a story, Ventura always had his calls returned.

That, my friends, is the ultimate show of respect in this business.

Arrivederci, Donato!