Joanna Merlin’s husband was David Dretzin. They were married in 1964 and had two daughters together, Julie and Rachel. David Dretzin was a labor and employment lawyer in New York City. He was also a director and producer and served as the nation’s labor lawyer for more than a decade. He died in 2006 at the age of 76.

Merlin and Dretzin shared a passion for theater. Dretzin was the director of Theatreworks U.S.A., a nonprofit theater company that produces and tours plays for young audiences. He was also a producer of the Broadway musical Titanic.

Merlin and Dretzin were married for over 40 years before his death in 2006. They are survived by their two daughters.